Communication system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication system (100) for a vehicle (102). The communication system (100) comprises a first wireless communication device (110) configured to wirelessly communicate according to a first wireless communication protocol. The communication system (100) comprises a second wireless communication device (120) configured to wirelessly communicate according to a second wireless communication protocol. The communication system (100) comprises control circuitry (140) configured to perform a first pairing process between a first wireless communication device (110) and a mobile device (130) to establish a first communication channel according to a first wireless communication protocol between the first wireless communication device (110) and the mobile device (130). The control circuitry (140) is further configured to initiate a second pairing process between the second wireless communication device (120) and the mobile device (130) by sending a pairing preparation message (306) for the second pairing process from the first wireless communication device (110) to the mobile device (130) via the first communication channel, to establish a second communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device (120) and the mobile device (120). The control circuitry (140) is configured to instruct to send a pairing preparation message (306) upon detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of pairing a wireless communication device with multiple other wireless communication devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to pairing a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone, with first and second wireless communication devices of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is an industry organization dedicated to developing standards for smartphone-car connectivity, with the goal of making it easier for drivers to use their smartphones in their cars. The CCC develops technologies such as the Digital Key standard, which allows smartphones to be used as car keys, and the Car Data Specification, which enables communication between cars and other devices.

[0003] The digital key standard uses near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), or ultra-wideband (UWB) to enable a secure wireless connection between a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) and a car, allowing the driver to unlock and start the car without using a traditional mechanical key. The digital key can also be shared with others (friends) via a smartphone app, allowing them to use the car as well. This allows for a more convenient and secure way to share access to the vehicle, and enables new use cases such as car sharing and rental services.

[0004] Digital key owner pairing and head unit pairing are two different processes for connecting a smartphone to a car.

[0005] Digital key owner pairing refers to the process of connecting a smartphone to a car so it can be used as a digital key. This process typically involves the vehicle owner using their smartphone to establish a secure and authenticated connection between the phone and the car's onboard systems, typically through a specific app or software. Once pairing is complete, the owner's smartphone becomes a recognized digital key for the car, allowing the owner to use it to unlock and start the car, as well as share access to the car with other authorized users.

[0006] Head unit pairing, on the other hand, refers to the process of connecting a smartphone or other device to a car's head unit (also known as the infotainment system). This allows the driver to access their smartphone's features and functions, such as music, navigation, and phone calls, through the car's display and speakers.

[0007] Host pairing can be implemented as OOB (out-of-band) pairing between the vehicle and the mobile device as part of digital key owner / friend pairing. For example, host pairing messages can be exchanged via one or more wireless communication links established for digital key owner pairing. Examples of such host pairing messages, as defined in the Digital Key Technical Specification, Release 3, Version 1.0.11 (CCC-TS-101), include a Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) sent by the vehicle to the mobile device, a Head Unit Pairing Request message (HUP-RQ) sent by the mobile device to the vehicle, and / or a Head Unit Pairing Response message (HUP-RS) sent by the vehicle to the mobile device.

[0008] However, the prerequisites for when exactly the vehicle should send such a host pairing message to the mobile device are not further defined.

[0009] There may be a need for an improved host pairing concept.

[0010] This need is met by the subject matter of the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication system for a vehicle.

[0012] The communication system includes a first wireless communication device configured to perform wireless communications according to a first wireless communication protocol.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may be configured to perform wireless communications for keyless access or keyless start functionality of a vehicle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication protocol can be one of Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication protocols. Thus, the first wireless communication device can include at least one of the vehicle's NFC, BLE, or UWB transceivers to perform wireless communication for keyless access or keyless start functionality of the vehicle. For example, the first wireless communication device can be integrated into the vehicle.

[0015] The communication system also includes a second wireless communication device configured to perform wireless communication according to a second wireless communication protocol.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be configured to perform wireless communication for a hands-free function, a media playback function, or a video projection function of the vehicle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication protocol may be a Bluetooth communication protocol. Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology with a shorter communication range than BLE. Therefore, the second wireless communication device may include a Bluetooth transceiver. For example, the second wireless communication device may be coupled to or integrated into the vehicle's head unit.

[0018] The first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device may be separate devices installed at different locations within the vehicle.

[0019] The communication system also includes control circuitry configured to perform a first pairing procedure between the first wireless communication device and the mobile device to establish a first communication channel according to a first wireless communication protocol between the first wireless communication device and the mobile device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first pairing process may be a digital key owner pairing process or a friend pairing process between the vehicle and the owner's mobile device or a friend's mobile device (eg, a smartphone).

[0021] The control circuit system is also configured to initiate or attempt a second pairing process between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device by sending a pairing preparation message for the second pairing process from the first wireless communication device to the mobile device via the first communication channel to establish a second communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second pairing process can be a host pairing process between the vehicle's host and the owner's or friend's mobile device, wherein host pairing messages are exchanged OOB via the first communication channel established by the digital key owner's or friend's pairing process.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pairing preparation message may indicate an identifier (address) and communication capabilities of the second wireless communication device. For example, the pairing preparation message may be a Head Unit Pairing Preparation Message (HU-PP) defined in the Digital Key Technical Specification, Version 3, Version 1.0.11 (CCC-TS-101).

[0024] The control circuitry is configured to instruct sending of the pairing preparation message (only) upon detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established.

[0025] The control circuitry may be integrated into the vehicle and coupled to both the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device.For example, the control circuitry may be implemented in an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle.

[0026] To detect that the second communication channel has been successfully established, the communication system may further include detection circuitry configured to detect whether the second wireless communication device is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel. Here, "ready for wireless communication" can be understood as being ready or in a state capable of wireless communication via the second communication channel. For example, the second wireless communication device may need to be powered on and properly initialized. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to instruct the sending of a pairing preparation message only upon detecting that the second wireless communication device is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel. This can avoid prematurely initiating the second pairing process if the second wireless communication device is not in the correct state (not yet ready / awake).

[0027] In some embodiments, the detection circuitry can be configured to detect whether the mobile device is within a distance close enough to the vehicle to successfully establish the second communication channel. For example, the detection circuitry can include signal strength detection circuitry, one or more cameras, seat occupancy detection circuitry, or other passenger detection mechanisms. The control circuitry can be configured to instruct the sending of a pairing preparation message at least if the mobile device is detected to be within the distance. For example, the distance can be less than 20 meters, less than 10 meters, less than 5 meters, or less than 2 meters from the vehicle. This can avoid interruption of the second communication channel due to excessive communication distance.

[0028] In some embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to instruct sending the pairing preparation message (only) upon detecting that the second wireless communication device is ready for wireless communication over the second communication channel and the mobile device is detected to be within the distance.

[0029] In some embodiments, the detection circuit system can be configured to detect whether the mobile device is located inside the vehicle. In this case, it can be assumed that the second communication channel is successfully established.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control circuitry can be configured to set a time limit within which the first wireless communication device accepts a pairing request message from the mobile device to the first wireless communication device via the first communication channel in response to the pairing preparation message. The time limit can specify a maximum time interval between sending the pairing preparation message and receiving the pairing request message. For example, the maximum time interval can be 30 seconds or less.

[0031] In some embodiments, the pairing request message may indicate an identifier (address) and communication capabilities of the mobile device. For example, the pairing request message may be a host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) defined in the Digital Key Technical Specification, Version 3, Version 1.0.11 (CCC-TS-101).

[0032] In some embodiments, if no pairing request message is received within the time limit, the control circuitry may be configured to initiate or attempt a subsequent pairing process between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device by sending a subsequent pairing preparation message for the subsequent pairing process from the first wireless communication device to the mobile device via the first communication channel to establish the second communication channel between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device (only) upon (subsequently) detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established. Thus, if no pairing request message is received after the pairing preparation message, the vehicle may attempt another pairing process between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device when the prerequisites for successful communication are met.

[0033] In some embodiments, the control circuitry can be configured to monitor the duration of the second pairing process and abort the second pairing process if it exceeds a predetermined maximum pairing duration. For example, the predetermined maximum pairing duration can be 15 seconds or less. Thus, after sending the pairing request message, the vehicle and / or mobile device can monitor the duration of the second pairing process and abort the second pairing process if it exceeds the predetermined maximum pairing duration.

[0034] In some embodiments, the control circuit system can be configured to ignore pairing request messages from other mobile devices to the first wireless communication device during the second pairing process. In this way, interference with the second pairing process by other mobile devices can be avoided.

[0035] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a communication system according to any one of the disclosed embodiments.

[0036] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method for a vehicle. The method includes:

[0037] • establishing a first wireless communication channel according to a first wireless communication protocol between a first wireless communication device of the vehicle and the mobile device;

[0038] • initiating or attempting a pairing process between a second wireless communication device of the vehicle and the mobile device by sending a pairing preparation message for the pairing process from the first wireless communication device to the mobile device via the first wireless communication channel to establish a second wireless communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device;

[0039] • Sending the pairing preparation message only when it is detected that the second wireless communication channel can be successfully established.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a wireless communication device configured to perform wireless communications for keyless access or keyless start according to a wireless communication protocol, such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), or ultra-wideband (UWB). The vehicle also includes a head unit configured to perform Bluetooth communications for hands-free, media playback, or video projection functions according to the Bluetooth communication protocol. The vehicle also includes control circuitry configured to perform a first (digital key) pairing process between the wireless communication device and a portable device to establish a wireless communication channel according to the wireless communication protocol between the wireless communication device and the portable device. The control circuitry is further configured to initiate a Bluetooth pairing process between the head unit and the portable device by sending a head unit pairing preparation message from the wireless communication device to the portable device via the established wireless communication channel, thereby establishing a Bluetooth communication channel according to the Bluetooth communication protocol between the head unit and the portable device. The control circuitry is configured to instruct the sending of the head unit pairing preparation message only upon detecting that the Bluetooth communication channel can be successfully established.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, the pairing preparation message is only sent when the user is in the appropriate situation or is aware of the user prompt that will eventually appear on the head unit to handle their mobile device or vehicle. The secondary (Bluetooth) pairing process is only initiated when the head unit is in the correct state (the head unit is ready / awake) or when the Bluetooth connection will not be interrupted (the user is inside or near the vehicle, approaching the vehicle). This can avoid the need for several retries until the user's mobile device is successfully paired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Some examples of apparatus, methods and / or computer programs will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of a device or vehicle including a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device;

[0044] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating an example of a method of pairing a mobile device with a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device; and

[0045] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating message exchanges between a mobile device, a wireless communication device for providing digital car key functionality, and a host computer's wireless communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of the embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of features and equivalents and alternatives to features. In addition, the terms used herein to describe certain examples should not limit other possible examples.

[0047] Throughout the description of the various figures, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements and / or features, which may be the same or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or similar functions. For clarity, the thickness of the lines, layers and / or regions in the various figures may also be exaggerated.

[0048] When "or" is used to combine two elements A and B, it should be understood that all possible combinations are disclosed, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B, unless otherwise explicitly defined in individual cases. As alternative expressions for the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used. The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0049] If singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" are used, and the use of only a single element is not explicitly or implicitly defined as mandatory, then alternative examples may use several elements to implement the same functionality. If a function is described below as being implemented using multiple elements, then alternative examples may use a single element or a single processing entity to implement the same functionality. It is further understood that when used, the terms "include," "including," "comprise," and / or "comprising" describe the presence of particular features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0050] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to head unit Bluetooth out-of-band pairing in a vehicle.

[0051] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Communication system 100 (and its components) may be installed in a vehicle 102, which is a machine used for transportation on land, water, air, or space. Examples of vehicles include cars, buses, trucks, ships, airplanes, and spacecraft. In the example shown, vehicle 102 is a car.

[0053] The communication system 100 includes a first wireless communication device 110 configured to perform wireless communications according to a first wireless communication protocol. The first wireless communication device 110 may include first transceiver circuitry configured to perform wireless communications according to the first wireless communication protocol, or radio access technology (RAT). The first wireless communication device 110 may be part of a keyless access system 112 for a vehicle 102 and configured to perform wireless communications for keyless access or keyless start functionality for the vehicle according to a digital key standard that allows smartphones to be used as vehicle keys and an automotive data specification that enables communication between the vehicle and other devices. The first wireless communication device 110 may be configured to perform wireless communications according to one of the NFC, BLE, or UWB communication protocols (or a combination thereof).

[0054] The communication system 100 also includes a second wireless communication device 120 configured to perform wireless communications according to a second wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication device 120 may include second transceiver circuitry configured to perform wireless communications according to the second wireless communication protocol or radio access technology (RAT). The second wireless communication device 120 may be installed in the vehicle 102 and configured to perform wireless communications for the vehicle's hands-free functionality, media playback functionality, or video projection functionality. For example, the second wireless communication device 120 may include a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the vehicle's head unit 122 for Bluetooth communications between the head unit 122 and a mobile user device 130 (e.g., a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet PC, etc.).

[0055] The communication system 100 also includes a control circuitry 140 configured to perform a first (wireless) pairing process between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile user device 130 to establish a first wireless communication channel between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile user device 130. This first pairing process may be a digital key pairing process between the vehicle 102 and the mobile user device 130. Digital key pairing refers to the process of connecting two devices (such as a user's smartphone and car) using a digital key. This allows the devices to communicate securely with each other and enables certain functions (such as unlocking the car's doors or starting the engine) to be controlled via the smartphone. This process may involve the use of NFC, BLE, or UWB communication technologies and requires the devices 110 and 130 to be in close proximity. This first pairing process (owner / friend pairing) may involve the secure exchange of a key or code, which establishes a unique, encrypted connection via the first wireless communication channel between the devices.

[0056] The control circuitry 140 is further configured to perform a second (wireless) pairing process between the second wireless communication device 120 and the mobile user device 130 by sending a pairing preparation message for the second pairing process from the first wireless communication device 110 to the mobile device 130 via the first wireless communication channel, thereby establishing a second wireless communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device 120 and the mobile device 130. The second pairing process can occur during or after the first pairing process and exchanges out-of-band (OOB) pairing information via the established first wireless communication channel. For example, the second pairing process can be a Bluetooth host pairing process. Host pairing refers to the process of connecting a mobile device 130 (such as a smartphone) to a host 122 to play music, make hands-free calls, and access other features such as navigation. According to the present disclosure, the mobile device 130 and host 122 connect via the second wireless communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol (which may be the Bluetooth protocol). However, the pairing information can be exchanged out-of-band (OOO) via the first wireless communication channel. Once paired, the user can use the mobile device 130 to control the host 122 and stream music through the car's speakers or access phone features.

[0057] Bluetooth and BLE are both wireless communication technologies that use the same 2.4GHz radio frequency, but they are designed for different purposes and have some key differences. Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard originally designed for short-range data exchange between fixed and mobile devices. It is primarily used for audio applications such as wireless speakers, headsets, and hands-free calling, as well as data transmission between devices such as smartphones and laptops. Bluetooth has medium power consumption and a range of approximately 10 meters. BLE, on the other hand, is a low-energy version of Bluetooth, introduced in 2010. It is designed for low-cost, low-power devices such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and smart home devices. BLE devices are designed to operate for long periods on small batteries and have a range of approximately 100 meters. BLE is also optimized for low-bandwidth applications and is often used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. In short, Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard primarily used for audio and data transmission, while BLE is a low-power version of Bluetooth, primarily used for low-bandwidth applications and IoT devices. BLE has a significantly longer communication range than Bluetooth.

[0058] Without further definition of the prerequisites for when the first wireless communication device 110 should send the pairing preparation message to the mobile user device 130, this could lead to scenarios where the user might not be in the proper situation or aware of the user prompts that might eventually appear on their mobile user device 130 or the vehicle's second wireless communication device 120. Another issue could be that the first wireless communication device 110 might prematurely initiate the second pairing process when the second wireless communication device 120 is not in the correct state (not yet ready / awake) or when the second wireless communication channel might be interrupted (e.g., the user is outside the vehicle, walking away from the vehicle). This could result in several retries until the user's mobile device 130 is successfully paired.

[0059] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit system 140 is configured to instruct the sending of the pairing preparation message only when it is detected that the second wireless communication channel between the second wireless communication device 120 and the mobile user device 130 can be successfully established. For example, the pairing preparation message may be sent from the first wireless communication device 110 to the mobile user device 130 only when at least one of the following preconditions is met:

[0060] • the second wireless communication device 120 is awake and its wireless communication functionality is available,

[0061] • The mobile user device 130 is being detected as being near or inside the vehicle 102 .

[0062] To this end, the communication system 100 may further include a detection circuitry 150 configured to detect whether the second wireless communication device 120 is ready for wireless communication via the second wireless communication channel (awake and with wireless communication functionality enabled). The control circuitry 140 may be configured to instruct the sending of a pairing preparation message only upon detecting that the second wireless communication device 120 is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel. Here, "ready" may be understood to mean that the second wireless communication device 120 is ready or in a prepared state to conduct wireless communication via the second communication channel. That is, the second wireless communication device 120 may have all necessary components, information, or resources to conduct wireless communication via the second communication channel. For example, a ready device means that it is powered on (awake) and configured to perform its intended functions. For example, the detection circuitry 150 or portions thereof may be implemented in a vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU). An ECU is a computerized device that manages and controls one or more electronic functions in a vehicle or other mechanism, such as the functions of the first and second wireless communication devices 110, 120. It may use input from various sensors to monitor and adjust various systems, such as the engine, transmission, braking system, climate control, and the first and second wireless communication devices 110, 120. An ECU is essentially a small computer that uses a microprocessor, memory, and input / output interfaces to execute programs that control the specific functions it manages. It reads sensor data, performs calculations, and sends commands to actuators to control various systems. It can also store and retrieve data, such as error codes and execution data. In this regard, control circuitry 140 or portions thereof may also be implemented in the ECU.

[0063] Alternatively or in addition, the detection circuit system 150 can be configured to detect whether the mobile user device 130 is within a distance close enough to the vehicle 102 to successfully establish the second communication channel. To this end, the detection circuit system 150 may use or include one or more sensors, such as a camera, a seat occupancy detection sensor, or other passenger detection sensor. In addition, options include signal strength measurements (RSSI = received signal strength indicator) for the first and / or second wireless communication channels or positioning via UWB. A higher RSSI value generally indicates that the device is closer to the signal source and the signal is stronger; while a lower RSSI value indicates that the device 130 is farther away and the signal is weaker. UWB uses extremely low energy levels to transmit data over a very wide frequency band (typically spanning several gigahertz). This allows it to transmit large amounts of data at high speeds while also providing highly accurate location and time of flight measurements.

[0064] The control circuit system 140 can be configured to instruct the first wireless communication device 110 to send a pairing preparation message for the second pairing process at least when it is detected that the mobile device 130 is within a distance close enough to successfully establish the second communication channel. Preferably, the control circuit system 130 can be configured to instruct the sending of the pairing preparation message when it is detected that the second wireless communication device 120 is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel and when it is detected that the mobile user device 130 is within range (near or inside the vehicle 102).

[0065] Therefore, some embodiments of the present disclosure propose that the vehicle's first wireless communication device 110 should send a pairing preparation message only when it detects that the owner device 130 is inside the vehicle 102 and the host 122 infrastructure including Bluetooth is available and ready for host pairing.

[0066] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating an example of a corresponding method 200 for pairing a mobile user device 130 with a first wireless communication device 110 and a second wireless communication device 120 of a vehicle is shown. The method 200 may be performed by components of the communication system 100.

[0067] The method 200 includes establishing 210 a first wireless communication channel according to a first wireless communication protocol between a first wireless communication device 110 of the vehicle and a mobile user device 130. Establishing 210 the first wireless communication channel may include performing a first pairing procedure between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile user device to establish the first communication channel between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile user device 130.

[0068] The method 200 further includes initiating a second pairing process 220 between the second wireless communication device 120 of the vehicle and the mobile user device 130 by sending a pairing preparation message for the second pairing process from the first wireless communication device 110 to the mobile user device 130 via the first wireless communication channel to establish a second wireless communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device 120 and the mobile user device 130. The pairing preparation message is sent only when it is detected that the second wireless communication channel can be successfully established.

[0069] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system, method, and computer program for efficiently pairing two wireless communication devices in a communication system 100 or vehicle 102 with a mobile user device 130. Such a scenario, for example, involves a vehicle 102 having an access system 112 and a host computer 122. The access system 112 includes a first wireless communication device (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy, or UWB communication device) 110 for communicating to provide keyless access or keyless start functionality for the vehicle 102. The host computer 122 includes a second wireless communication device (e.g., Bluetooth communication device) 120 for communicating to provide hands-free functionality, media playback functionality, or video projection functionality for the vehicle. In other words, the first wireless communication device 110 can be configured to communicate for keyless access or keyless start functionality for the vehicle 102. The second wireless communication device 120 can be separate from the first wireless communication device 110 and can be configured to communicate for hands-free functionality, media playback functionality, or video projection functionality for the vehicle. Generally speaking, the access system is provided by the vehicle's main ECU (which coordinates the vehicle's driving-related and safety-related features), and the head unit 122 is a system that not only provides user-oriented functions (such as a hands-free function, a media playback function, or a video projection function), but also provides an interface for changing vehicle settings. In this context, the video projection function involves displaying the user interface of a mobile device via the vehicle's display (for example, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).

[0070] In a car, the first wireless communication device 110 and the second wireless communication device 120 are typically BLE and Bluetooth communication devices. Thus, the first pairing process and the second pairing process can be BLE and Bluetooth pairing processes. Alternatively or additionally, other wireless technologies can also be used. For example, the first wireless communication device 110 can be an ultra-wideband communication device, or a combined BLE and UWB communication device. The second wireless communication device 120 can be a Bluetooth communication device and / or a communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network (e.g., a combined Bluetooth / WLAN communication device). Thus, the first pairing process can be a first UWB or BLE pairing process, and / or the second pairing process can be a Bluetooth pairing process or a process for joining a wireless local area network.

[0071] The present disclosure utilizes the (secure, encrypted) communication channel established by the first pairing process to exchange pairing messages for the second pairing process. Specifically, a pairing preparation message for the second pairing process is sent only upon detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established. Thus, the first pairing process can be executed and completed before the pairing messages for the second pairing process are exchanged. The control circuitry 140 is configured to perform a first (wireless) pairing process between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile device 130 to establish a first communication channel between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile device 130. As mentioned above, the first pairing process can be a first Bluetooth pairing process or a first UWB pairing process. The first pairing process can establish a (secure, encrypted) first wireless communication channel. Thus, the first pairing process can include, for example, exchanging cryptographic information based on a Diffie-Hellman key exchange.

[0072] Once the first wireless communication channel is established, it can be used to initiate or perform a second pairing procedure. The control circuitry 130 is configured to perform the second pairing procedure between the second wireless communication device 120 and the mobile user device 130 by exchanging pairing messages for pairing the second wireless communication device 120 with the mobile user device 130 via the first wireless communication channel between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile user device 130. In other words, the pairing messages are exchanged between the second wireless communication device 120 and the mobile user device 130 via the first wireless communication device 110. Thus, the first wireless communication device 110 and the second wireless communication device 120 can be coupled via at least the control circuitry 140. For example, the pairing messages can be exchanged via the internal communication channel between the first wireless communication device 110 and the second wireless communication device 120 (as well as the first wireless communication channel between the first wireless communication device 110 and the mobile user device).

[0073] Exchanging pairing messages via the (already established) first communication channel enables the automation of the second pairing process. The pairing message is only initiated upon detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established. The user may be prompted as to whether the second pairing process should be performed. In other words, if the second communication channel is detected to be successfully established, the second pairing process may be automatically initiated, for example, by providing a prompt to the user of mobile device 130 or the vehicle, and / or without requiring the user to initiate the pairing process from the mobile device. In particular, the second pairing process may be initiated without requiring the user of mobile device 130 or the vehicle to confirm a code sequence.

[0074] While the principles of the proposed concept are also applicable to other wireless technologies, such as WLAN, the following description partially assumes that the second pairing process is a Bluetooth pairing process. However, the same information can also be exchanged during pairing processes performed for different wireless technologies. The Bluetooth standard already includes a section related to out-of-band pairing, which can be adopted by the techniques presented in this disclosure. Thus, the pairing message can include an out-of-band pairing message according to the Bluetooth standard. Figure 3 , an illustration of a second pairing process based on the Bluetooth OOB pairing process is shown in FIG.

[0075] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating a message exchange 300 between a mobile user device 130, a first wireless communication device 110 for providing digital car key functionality, and a second wireless communication device 120 of a host 122. For example, Figure 3 The combination pairing of the digital car key (ie, access system 112 ) and the head unit ( 122 ) may be displayed. Figure 3 Different entities are shown: a user 302 of a (mobile) user device 130 , the user device 130 , the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 (i.e. a first wireless communication device 110 of the access system 112 ) and the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 (i.e. a second wireless communication device 120 of the host 122 ).

[0076] First, pairing of the DCK (digital car key) is performed, resulting in a "sub-event notification" (operation success) 304 from the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 to the user device 304. During or after pairing of the DCK, pairing of the host 122 is initiated, starting with a Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) 306 from the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 to the user device 130. The Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) 306 may indicate the identifier and communication capabilities of the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120. Specifically, the Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) may include BT_Pairing_Configuration, BD_ADDR_Head_Unit, and vehicle capabilities, as shown in the following table:

[0077] Table 1: HU-PP message and its parameters

[0078] Table 2: Definition of HU-PP parameters

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) is sent from the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 via a first wireless communication channel (e.g., BLE) only upon determining that a second wireless communication channel (e.g., Bluetooth) between the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 and the mobile user device 130 can be successfully established. This can be determined by employing detection circuitry 150 that interfaces directly or indirectly with the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 and / or the mobile user device 130, as previously described.

[0080] In the event that a second wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) communication channel between the vehicle's head wireless communication device 120 and the user device 130 can be successfully established (e.g., the device 120 is ready / awake and the mobile user device 130 is located near or in the vehicle 102), a Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) is transmitted to prepare for pairing of the head unit 122, which includes the capabilities of the vehicle, particularly the capabilities of the vehicle's head unit. In other words, the control circuit system 140 can be configured to instruct the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 to transmit information about one or more capabilities of the vehicle's head unit wireless communication device 120 to the user device 130 via the first communication channel (as part of the exchange of pairing information) upon detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established.

[0081] At 308 , the user device 130 notifies the user 302 that the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 has been paired (i.e., the first pairing process has been completed), and prompts the user 302 whether to continue with the host pairing. At 310 , the user 302 responds with "Yes, continue," and the user device 130 may provide a host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) 312 to the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 (via the established first communication channel). The host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) may indicate the identifier (address) and communication capabilities of the user device 304. Specifically, the host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) may include the user intent, BD_ADDR_Device, and device capabilities, as shown in the following table:

[0082] Table 3: HUP-RQ message and its parameters

[0083] Table 4: Definition of HUP-RQ parameters.

[0084] In other words, user device 130 provides a pairing request message to the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 for pairing with head unit 122, stating the capabilities of user device 130, whether to use, for example, CarPlay (CP) or Android Auto (AA) to display information provided by the mobile device on the vehicle display (i.e., using a video projection function), and the device identifier of mobile device 130. In other words, control circuitry 140 may be configured to obtain a pairing request message from user device 130 via the first communication channel for pairing user device 130 with the vehicle's head unit wireless communication device 120. The pairing request message may include (information about) one or more capabilities of user device 130. The pairing request message may also include information regarding whether user device 130 requests to display information provided by user device 130 on the vehicle display (i.e., using a video projection function).

[0085] The control circuit system 140 may be configured to set a time limit within which the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 accepts a host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) from the user device 130 via the first communication channel in response to the Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP). The time limit specifies a maximum time interval (e.g., 30 seconds) from sending the Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) to receiving the host pairing request message (HUP-RQ).

[0086] If the host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) is not received within the time limit, the control circuit system 140 can be configured to re-initiate the subsequent pairing process between the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 and the user device 130 by sending a subsequent Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation message (HU-PP) for the subsequent pairing process from the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 to the user device 130 via the first (digital key) communication channel to establish the second communication channel between the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 and the user device 130 when it is subsequently detected that the second communication channel can be successfully established.

[0087] After sending the Host Pairing Request message (HUP-RQ), control circuitry 140 and device 130 may monitor the duration of the second pairing process and abort it if it exceeds a predetermined duration (e.g., 15 seconds). During the second pairing process, control circuitry 140 may ignore further Host Pairing Request messages (HUP-RQ) to prevent other devices from interfering with the second pairing process. During this period, Head_Unit_Pairing_Preparation messages (HU-PP) to other devices may be delayed until the ongoing pairing process with the current device 130 is complete. If the second (Bluetooth) pairing process is aborted due to a timer limit, device 130 may immediately retry pairing by reusing the stored user consent information via the Host Pairing Request message (HUP-RQ).

[0088] At 314, the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 transforms the received host pairing request message (HUP-RQ) into "DK_HU_OOB_Pairing_Req (Device_Capabilities, User_Intent (CP, AAP, or Bluetooth Only), Device_BT_MAC_Address)" (DK to Host Out-of-Band Pairing Request). In other words, the control circuit system 140 can be configured to provide the request to the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 (as message 314) and provide a response to the request from the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 to the mobile device 130 via the first communication channel (via messages 316 and 318, as shown below). Thus, the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 can provide a response to the request to the device 130 via the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110 using messages 316, 318 "DCK_HU_OOB_Pairing_Resp (Vehicle_BT_MAC_Address, PairingDataP192, PairingDataP256)" and "Headunit_Pairing_Resp (Vehicle_BT_MAC_Address, PairingDataP192, PairingDataP256)", where the Headunit_Pairing_Resp includes the media access control address of the vehicle host 120, 122 and the cryptographic secret (PairingDataP192, PairingDataP256, i.e., cryptographic information for establishing 192-bit and 256-bit elliptic curve Diffie Hellman encryption) used to establish a cryptographic channel (according to the Bluetooth OOB pairing specification). Thus, the response may include information of a cryptographic secret provided by the second Bluetooth communication device, for example, a cryptographic secret for establishing a further secure, encrypted communication channel directly between the vehicle's host wireless communication device 120 and the mobile device 130 .

[0089] Once this information is exchanged, Bluetooth out-of-band pairing 320 can be performed (to perform the second pairing process). To confirm that the pairing was successful, the vehicle's head unit wireless communication device 120 can transmit a confirmation message "DCK_HU_OOB_Pairing_Result (OK)" 322 to the device 130 via the vehicle's digital key wireless communication device 110. The device 130 can transform the message 322 into "Headunit_Pairing_Result (OK)" 324 and transmit it to the device 130 via the first communication channel. The device 130 can provide feedback to the user 302 (if desired).

[0090] For example, the described owner pairing of digital keys may be used in the following situations.

[0091] During owner pairing of a Digital Key (and also during combined HU pairing), a user can sit in the vehicle, holding their smart device and both key fobs, and follow the pairing process on the HU and smart device. During this process, a HU_PP command will be sent to the smart device for BT Classic OOO pairing via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). After the DK owner pairing is successful, a user prompt will appear, prompting the user to also pair the smart device with the HU (via BT Classic / BT for the HU). During this process, the preconditions described (e.g., the HU is ready / awake and the mobile user device is near or within the vehicle 102) are generally met, as the HU is in operational mode and the device is detected inside the vehicle (e.g., via UWB, BT RSSI signal strength, vehicle passenger camera, seat occupancy detection, or other passenger detection mechanisms).

[0092] For example, during friend sharing, the friend could be anywhere and might not be in the owner's vehicle when receiving the shared key from them. When key sharing is accepted, the friend is also asked upon first entering the vehicle whether to pair their smart device with the HU via CarPlay or Bluetooth Classic (out-of-band pairing via BLE). A friend could approach the vehicle for the first time at any point, so it's important that the HU_PP command isn't sent prematurely, for example, if their smart device only has a BLE connection, as this wouldn't be sufficient to instruct the friend to pair the device with the HU if appropriate. For example, a friend might approach the vehicle but then decide to leave without entering. In this case, the conventional pairing process might be aborted due to a loss of the BT Classic / BLE connection. The pairing process proposed in this article can improve this situation.

[0093] As previously noted, the same concepts can also be applied to other wireless technologies. For example, if the second wireless communication device is a wireless communication device for communicating in a wireless local area network, the exchange of pairing information may include information about the service set identifier (SSID) of the wireless network and cryptographic information about a shared key used for communicating in the wireless network.

[0094] The control circuitry can be part of the first wireless communication device or co-located with the first wireless communication device, for example, within an access system / main ECU of a vehicle. Alternatively, the control circuitry can be part of the second wireless communication device or co-located with the second wireless communication device, for example, within a head unit of a vehicle. Alternatively, the control circuitry can be separate from both the first wireless communication device (and the access system) and the second wireless communication device (and the head unit).

[0095] In various examples, the control circuit system 10 can be implemented using one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, or any means for processing, such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component operable with corresponding adapted software. In other words, the described functionality of the control circuit system 10 can also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, and the like.

[0096] The aspects and features described in relation to a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more other examples to replace the same or similar features of the other examples, or to additionally introduce these features into the other examples.

[0097] Examples may also include or relate to (computer) programs comprising program code for performing one or more of the aforementioned methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor, or other programmable hardware component. Thus, the steps, operations, or processes of the various methods described above may also be performed by a programmed computer, processor, or other programmable hardware component. Examples may also encompass program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, that are readable by a machine, processor, or computer and that encode and / or contain programs and instructions that are executable by a machine, processor, or computer. Program storage devices may include or be, for example, digital storage devices, magnetic storage media (such as magnetic disks and tapes), hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. Other examples may include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays (PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays (PGAs), graphics processor units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs), or system-on-a-chip (SoCs), programmed to perform the steps of the aforementioned methods.

[0098] Furthermore, it should be understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations, or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as implying that these operations necessarily depend on the order described, unless explicitly stated in individual cases or required for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Moreover, in other examples, a single step, function, process, or operation may include and / or be decomposed into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations.

[0099] If aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, those aspects should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding methods. For example, a block, device, or functional aspect of a device or system may correspond to a feature of a corresponding method, such as a method step. Thus, aspects described in relation to a method should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding block, element, attribute, or functional feature of the corresponding device or system.

[0100] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim can stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims, dependent claims refer to specific combinations with one or more other claims, other examples may include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are hereby expressly set forth unless a specific combination is not intended in a particular instance. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

[0101] Reference Number List

[0102] 100 Communication System

[0103] 102 vehicles

[0104] 110 first wireless communication device

[0105] 112 keyless entry system

[0106] 120 second wireless communication device

[0107] 122 Host

[0108] 130 mobile devices

[0109] 140 control circuit system

[0110] 150 detection circuit system

[0111] 200 communication methods

[0112] 210 Establishing a first wireless communication channel

[0113] 220 Initiate a pairing process between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device

[0114] 300 Message sequence diagram between a mobile user device, a first wireless communication device for providing a digital car key function, and a second wireless communication device of a host

Claims

1. A communication system (100) for a vehicle (102), comprising: A first wireless communication device (110) configured to perform wireless communication according to a first wireless communication protocol; a second wireless communication device (120) configured to perform wireless communication according to a second wireless communication protocol; as well as The control circuit system (140) is configured to: performing a first pairing process between the first wireless communication device (110) and the mobile device (130) to establish a first communication channel according to a first wireless communication protocol between the first wireless communication device (110) and the mobile device (130); initiating a second pairing procedure between the second wireless communication device (120) and the mobile device (130) by sending a pairing preparation message (306) for the second pairing procedure from the first wireless communication device (110) to the mobile device (130) via the first communication channel to establish a second communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device (120) and the mobile device (120); The control circuit system (140) is configured to instruct sending the pairing preparation message (306) when detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established.

2. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a detection circuit system (150) configured to detect whether the second wireless communication device (120) is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel, wherein The control circuit system (140) is configured to instruct sending the pairing preparation message (306) at least upon detecting that the second wireless communication device (120) is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel.

3. The system (100) of claim 2, wherein: The detection circuitry (150) is configured to detect whether the mobile device (130) is within a distance sufficiently close to the vehicle (102) to successfully establish a second communication channel, wherein the control circuitry (140) is configured to instruct sending the pairing preparation message (306) at least upon detecting that the mobile device (130) is within the distance.

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein: The control circuitry (140) is configured to instruct sending the pairing preparation message (306) upon detecting that the second wireless communication device (120) is ready for wireless communication via the second communication channel and detecting that the mobile device (130) is within the distance.

5. The system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The detection circuitry (150) is configured to detect whether the mobile device (130) is located inside the vehicle (102).

6. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The control circuitry (140) is configured to set a time limit within which the first wireless communication device (110) accepts a pairing request message (312) from the mobile device (130) to the first wireless communication device (110) via the first communication channel in response to the pairing preparation message (306), wherein the time limit specifies a maximum time interval from sending the pairing preparation message (306) to receiving the pairing request message (312).

7. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein: The control circuit system (140) is configured to, if the pairing request message (312) is not received within the time limit, then upon subsequently detecting that the second communication channel can be successfully established, initiate a subsequent pairing process between the second wireless communication device (120) and the mobile device (130) by sending a subsequent pairing preparation message for the subsequent pairing process from the first wireless communication device (110) to the mobile device (130) via the first communication channel to establish the second communication channel between the second wireless communication device (120) and the mobile device (130).

8. The system (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The pairing request message (312) indicates an identifier and communication capabilities of the mobile device (130).

9. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The control circuitry (140) is configured to monitor the duration of the second pairing process and to abort the second pairing process when the duration exceeds a predetermined maximum pairing duration.

10. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The control circuitry (140) is configured to ignore pairing request messages from other mobile devices to the first wireless communication device during the second pairing process.

11. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pairing preparation message indicates an identifier and communication capabilities of the second wireless communication device (120).

12. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first wireless communication device (110) is configured to perform wireless communication for a keyless access or keyless start function of a vehicle, and the second wireless communication device (120) is configured to perform wireless communication for a hands-free function, a media playback function, or a video projection function of the vehicle.

13. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first wireless communication protocol is one of near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or ultra-wideband (UWB) communication protocols.

14. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second wireless communication protocol is a Bluetooth communication protocol.

15. A communication method (200) for a vehicle, comprising: establishing (210) a first wireless communication channel according to a first wireless communication protocol between a first wireless communication device of the vehicle and the mobile device; initiating ( 220 ) a pairing process between a second wireless communication device of the vehicle and the mobile device by sending a pairing preparation message for the pairing process from the first wireless communication device to the mobile device via the first wireless communication channel to establish a second wireless communication channel according to a second wireless communication protocol between the second wireless communication device and the mobile device; The pairing preparation message is sent only when it is detected that the second wireless communication channel can be successfully established.

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