Method for implementing near field communication in vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a near field communication method (100) implemented in a vehicle (1), comprising the following steps performed by an NFC reader (3): upon receipt of a data pair of a portable device located in the vicinity of the NFC reader (3), storing (106) the data pair in a memory of the NFC reader (3), each stored data pair includes an application identifier corresponding to a predetermined authorized application identifier; sending (107) all the stored data pairs to the control device (9) when the data pairs have been received; receiving (108), from the control device (9), a request for an authentication key associated with the selected data pair; and-if the transmitted authentication key corresponds to an authorized authentication key, transmitting (111) the received authentication key to the control device (9) for controlling a function of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for implementing near-field communication within a motor vehicle. The invention finds particularly interesting applications in the field of motor vehicles equipped with near-field communication devices. Such near-field communication devices are also known as NFC (Near Field Communication) readers. Background Technology

[0002] Near-field communication (NFC) devices installed in vehicles have various applications. They are deployed, for example, in vehicle doors or pillars and are involved in unlocking the vehicle. To do this, they communicate with portable devices (such as badges, keys, or mobile phones) carried by the vehicle's occupants that are also equipped with NFC. These NFC devices allow authentication of the portable device by exchanging identifiers with it, thus initiating the unlocking of the vehicle's doors.

[0003] Vehicle users typically carry multiple portable devices equipped with near-field communication (NFC) devices. In practice, they may carry vehicle keys, their home and / or business entry badges, and one or more payment cards.

[0004] Therefore, when a user approaches their vehicle, the vehicle's near-field communication (NFC) device detects all portable devices. When it detects multiple portable devices equipped with NFC, it communicates with the first portable device to obtain a first identifier. It then sends this identifier to the vehicle's control unit, which in turn requests an authentication key associated with that identifier from the communication device. The communication device then obtains the authentication key from the first portable device and subsequently sends it to the control unit. If the authentication key obtained by the control unit does not correspond to the expected key, the NFC device repeats this process on each portable device until a portable device authorized to unlock the vehicle is obtained.

[0005] It should be noted that, according to this method, the time required to authenticate a portable device equipped with a near-field communication (NFC) device is approximately 250 milliseconds. Therefore, if a vehicle user has multiple portable devices equipped with NFC, and the portable device authorized to unlock the vehicle door is the last polled, the time required to unlock the door can be significant. For example, when a user has six portable devices, the time required to unlock the vehicle door could be 1.5 seconds. This long timeframe is disadvantageous for the user. In practice, the user might activate the door handle before it is actually unlocked. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by proposing a near-field communication method implemented in a motor vehicle, which allows for a reduction in the time required to manually unlock vehicle doors.

[0007] In this context, the present invention therefore relates, to its broadest acceptance, to a method of near-field communication implemented in a motor vehicle within a near-field communication device known as an NFC reader, the near-field communication device being connected to a control device configured to operate vehicle functions, the method comprising the following steps performed by the NFC reader: - Send an existence request for the detection of at least one portable device, including a near-field communication device of a predetermined type; - Receive presence messages from each portable device of the predefined type.

[0008] The method is characterized by including the following steps, performed by an NFC reader, when multiple portable devices of a predetermined type are present: - For each of the pre-defined types of portable devices; - Send at least one request for collecting data pairs including the device identifier and application identifier of the portable device; and - Receive data pairing from portable devices; - As data pairs are received, the data pairs are stored in the memory of the NFC reader, and each data pair has an application identifier corresponding to a predetermined authorized application identifier; -When data pairs for each of the existing portable devices of the predetermined type have been received, send all received and stored data pairs to the control device; - Receive a request from the control device for an authentication key associated with the data pair selected by the control device; - Send at least one request for the collection of authentication keys to the portable device associated with the selected data pair; - Receive authentication key; and - Sends the received authentication key to the control device for comparison with at least one authorized authentication key, and for controlling the vehicle when the sent authentication key corresponds to an authorized authentication key.

[0009] The type of portable device is related to the characteristics of the signal modulation of the near-field communication signals transmitted and / or received by the portable device. Types A, B, and F exist, for example, as defined in standards, particularly the NFC Forum standards.

[0010] In other words, the NFC reader installed in the vehicle can collect all data pairs of portable devices of a predetermined type with application identifiers similar to those of a predetermined authorized application identifier during a first time period. Then, during a second time period, the NFC reader can send all these stored data pairs to the control device. The control device can then select from the received data pairs the data pairs that are likely to allow direct or indirect control of the vehicle after receiving the associated authentication key. Vehicle functions may include, for example, unlocking vehicle doors and / or authorizing vehicle start.

[0011] Because the NFC reader collects all the data before sending it to the control unit for pairing, the time required to authorize vehicle door unlocking and / or authorize vehicle start-up is significantly reduced.

[0012] In addition to the features mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the method according to this aspect of the invention may also have one or more of the following supplementary features, which may be considered individually or in combination according to all technically possible techniques.

[0013] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the step of sending at least one request for data pairing collection is accompanied by: transmitting an existence request for the detection of at least one portable device including a near-field communication device of a predetermined type.

[0014] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, if the data pair received during the step of receiving a data pair from a portable device includes an application identifier that is different from a predetermined authorized application identifier, the method includes the step of storing information relating to the irrelevance of the portable device to the data pair that includes the application identifier that is different from the predetermined authorized application identifier.

[0015] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the steps of the method are performed on a portable device of a predetermined type corresponding to the first type.

[0016] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, if no portable device of the first type sends an authorized authentication key, the steps of the method are repeated for a portable device of a predetermined type corresponding to a second type distinct from the first type.

[0017] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, if no second type of portable device sends an authorized authentication key, the steps of the method are repeated for a portable device of a predetermined type corresponding to a third type that is distinct from the first and second types.

[0018] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the first, second, and third types of portable devices are selected from portable devices that include near-field communication devices of type A, type B, and type F.

[0019] The type describes the modulation used by portable devices. They are defined, for example, by the NFC Forum standard.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a near-field communication device for a motor vehicle, referred to as an NFC reader, the NFC reader being configured to communicate with a control device configured to operate the vehicle's functions, the NFC reader being characterized in that it includes a memory configured to store data pairs received from a portable device including the near-field communication device, each data pair including a device identifier and an application identifier of the portable device, and the NFC reader being configured to perform steps of a method according to any of the foregoing aspects of the invention.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention relates to a system for a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising: a near-field communication device referred to as an NFC reader; and a control device connected to the NFC reader and configured to control the functions of the vehicle, the system being characterized in that the NFC reader includes a memory configured to store data pairs received from a portable device including the near-field communication device, each data pair including a device identifier and an application identifier of the portable device, and the NFC reader and the control device are configured to perform steps of a method according to any of the foregoing aspects of the present invention.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method implemented in a system according to the invention: - If the authentication key received by the control device corresponds to an authorized authentication key registered in the control device, the method includes the following steps performed by the control device: manipulating a function of the vehicle corresponding to the automatic opening of at least one door; and / or - If the authentication key received by the control device corresponds to the authorized authentication key registered in the control device, the method includes the following steps performed by the control device: manipulating the functions of the vehicle corresponding to the authorization for starting the vehicle.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle that includes a system according to the invention.

[0024] A better understanding of the invention and its various applications will be gained by reading the following description and referring to the accompanying figures. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The figures illustrate the invention in an illustrative manner and in no way limiting.

[0026] [ Figure 1 The vehicle according to a non-limiting aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0027] [ Figure 2 The steps of a method according to a non-limiting aspect of the invention are illustrated in an illustrative manner. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Unless otherwise stated, the same element appearing in different figures has a unique reference.

[0029] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0030] In this embodiment, vehicle 1 includes a near-field communication system 2.

[0031] The near-field communication system 2 includes a near-field communication device 3, which is referred to as an NFC reader 3 and is deployed in the body components 4 of the vehicle 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the body element 4 is formed from the wing of the vehicle 1, but it can also be formed from the door 5 of the vehicle 1, the side center pillar 6 of the vehicle, or even the trunk 7 of the vehicle 1.

[0033] In different embodiments not shown, the NFC reader 3 may be deployed in the cabin of the vehicle 1 and may also be associated with a wireless charger included in the vehicle 1.

[0034] The NFC reader 3 is configured to communicate with a portable device 8 carried by the user and equipped with a near-field communication device.

[0035] The NFC reader 3 includes a memory configured to store data pairs received from the portable device 8, each data pair including the portable device's device identifier and application identifier.

[0036] Here, the near-field communication system 2 also includes a control device 9, which is configured to communicate with the NFC reader 3. The control device 9 is configured to control functions of the vehicle 1, such as automatically unlocking the doors 5 of the vehicle 1 or authorizing the starting of the vehicle 1.

[0037] Vehicle 1 is constructed and arranged to perform, for example, by means of near-field communication system 2 Figure 2 The steps of the method according to the present invention are illustrated in the figure.

[0038] The steps of method 100 are performed on a portable device that includes a near-field communication device of a predetermined type corresponding to a first type. In a non-limiting embodiment, this first type is formed as type A. Throughout the text, and for the sake of brevity, the portable device of the predetermined type is sometimes simply referred to as type A.

[0039] The type specifies the modulation used by the portable device. Type A, for example, is defined by the NFC Forum standard.

[0040] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment illustrated in Table T1, two portable devices of type A are registered in the control device 9 as devices authorized to start the function and whose existence automatically starts the function.

[0041] More specifically, the first portable device 71 of type A and the second portable device 72 of type A are provided to the control device 9.

[0042] Type A first portable device 71: - Formed from card C; - Including near-field communication devices of type A; - Has a unique identifier (or UID, used in English as "Unique Identifier") 123; - In this example, there is a pre-defined authorized application identifier (or AID, used in English for "Application Identifier") for vehicle type V; and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0043] Type A Second Portable Device 72: - Formed by telephone T; - Including near-field communication devices of type A; - Has a unique identifier 632; - Possesses a pre-defined authorized application identifier for vehicle type V; and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0044] If one of the first portable device 71 or the second portable device 72 of these types A is identified by means of the method according to the invention, the control device 9 may be able to authorize the opening of at least one of the doors of the vehicle 1 or the starting of the vehicle 1 via the control unit.

[0045] Method 100 includes a first step 101 performed by NFC reader 3: sending an existence request 101 to explore the existence of portable devices (one or more) including near-field communication devices of a predetermined type (i.e., type A in this example).

[0046] It should be noted that in this embodiment, three portable devices, including a near-field communication device, are located near the NFC reader 3.

[0047] More specifically, as illustrated in Table T2, the third portable device 73 of type A, the fourth portable device 74 of the predetermined type corresponding to the second type (type B), and the fifth portable device 75 of type A are located near the NFC reader 3.

[0048] Type A third portable device 73: - Formed from card C; - Including near-field communication devices of type A; - It has a unique identifier 789; - It has an application identifier of type CC (Credit Card), which is different from the pre-defined authorized application identifier of type V (Vehicle); and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0049] Type B fourth portable device 74: - Formed from card C; - Including Type B near-field communication devices; - Has a unique identifier 456; - It has an application identifier of the public transport TP type, which is different from the predetermined authorized application identifier of the vehicle V type; and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0050] Type A fifth portable device 75: - Formed from card C; - Including near-field communication devices of type A; - It has a unique identifier 741; - It has an application identifier of type B, which is different from the predetermined authorized application identifier of type V; and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0051] Method 100 includes a second step performed by the NFC reader 3: receiving an existence message 102 from each existing portable device of a predetermined type (i.e., type A). The existence message may consist of a data pair including a unique identifier of the portable device and an application identifier.

[0052] The presence of a portable device is assumed when the portable device is within the communication range of the NFC reader 3 (e.g., at a maximum distance of 40cm).

[0053] Since the third portable device 73 is type A and the fifth portable device 75 is type A, therefore NFC reader 3: - Receive data pairing from a third portable device 73 of type A, including a unique identifier 789 and an application identifier of credit card CC type; and - Receive data pairings from a fifth portable device 75 of type A, including a unique identifier 741 and an application identifier of type B badge.

[0054] Because NFC reader 3 receives multiple data pairs simultaneously, it is unable to process the information.

[0055] Method 100 then includes an additional step performed by the NFC reader 3: sending 103 a request for at least one data pair collection, each data pair including a device identifier and an application identifier. In the illustrated example, the request is initially sent to a third portable device 73 (of type A, including a unique identifier 789).

[0056] Here, however, in a non-limiting manner, the request is accompanied by a request for the presence of a portable device including a Type A near-field communication device. This allows verification of whether the identified third portable device 73 has always been present, and also allows the detection of the arrival of new Type A devices near the NFC reader 3. In response to the presence request, the NFC reader 3 receives a presence message from each portable device including a Type A near-field communication device present at that moment. In the example illustrated here, from the first iteration of step 102, there has been no modification to the existing Type A portable devices.

[0057] Method 100 then includes an additional step 104 performed by the NFC reader 3: receiving 104 data pairing from a third portable device 73 of type A. This data pairing, in the illustrated example, is formed by a unique identifier 789 and an application identifier of credit card CC type.

[0058] Alternatively, since the application identifier of the third portable device 73 of type A differs from the predetermined authorized application identifier of the vehicle type (credit card CC application instead of vehicle V application), method 100 includes the following step performed by the NFC reader 3: storing 105 information related to the irrelevance of the third portable device 73. Therefore, when the user, for example, is to be near the vehicle again the next day equipped with the third portable device 73, the third portable device 73 will not be detected by the NFC reader 3.

[0059] For each of the portable devices of type A, the following steps are repeated: sending 103 at least one request for data pairing collection; and receiving 104 data pairing from the portable device.

[0060] Therefore, method 100 includes repeating step 103, in which a request for the collection of data pairs including device identifier and application identifier is transmitted to the fifth portable device 75 (including unique identifier 741).

[0061] Again in this case, but in a non-limiting manner, the request for data pairing collection is accompanied by a request for the presence of a portable device, including a Type A near-field communication device. This allows verification of the continued presence of the identified third portable device 75, and also allows detection of the arrival of new Type A devices near the NFC reader 3.

[0062] In this case, as illustrated in Table T3, the fifth portable device 75 is missing after this moment. This may occur when the fifth portable device 75 has moved outside the communication area covered by the NFC reader 3 and is therefore no longer accessible to the NFC reader 3.

[0063] exist Figure 2 The illustrated example includes two new portable devices 71 and 76, which incorporate near-field communication devices (see...). Figure 2 The table T3 is then located near the NFC reader 3. This corresponds to, for example, a situation where a new user approaches motor vehicle 1.

[0064] Sixth portable device 76: - Formed from card C; - Including near-field communication devices of type A; - Possesses the unique identifier 963; - Has an application identifier of vehicle type V; and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0065] First portable device 71: - Formed from card C; - Including near-field communication devices of type A; - It has a unique identifier 123; - Has an application identifier of vehicle type V; and - It has an authentication key (CA).

[0066] In response to an presence request, NFC reader 3 therefore receives a presence message from each portable device (here, the first device 71 and the sixth device 76) that is present at that moment and includes a near-field communication device of type A. Again, in this case, the presence request is preferably formed by a data pair including a unique identifier of the portable device and an application identifier. Thus, the following steps performed by NFC reader 3 are repeated: receiving a 102 presence message from each present portable device of the predetermined type (i.e., type A).

[0067] In this situation, the reader is unable to process the information because multiple presence messages are sent to the NFC reader 3 simultaneously.

[0068] In the same manner as detailed above, method 100 then includes the following steps performed by NFC reader 3: sending 103 a request for the collection of data pairings, including a device identifier and an application identifier, to each of the existing type A portable devices. In the illustrated example, the request is initially sent to the sixth portable device 76 (including a unique identifier 963).

[0069] Again in this case, step 103 may optionally, but advantageously, include transmitting a request for the presence of a portable device comprising a Type A near-field communication device. Here, there is no new change regarding the Type A device present in the vicinity of the NFC reader 3.

[0070] Method 100 then includes the following steps performed by the NFC reader 3: receiving 104 data pairing from the sixth portable device 76. This data pairing, in the illustrated example, is formed by a unique identifier 963 and an application identifier of vehicle type V.

[0071] The NFC reader 3's memory stores information related to at least one authorized application identifier, which is also stored in the control device 109. Here, the authorized application identifier is vehicle type V. The NFC reader 3 is configured to: - Extract the application identifier from the received data pair; - Compare the extracted application identifier with the authorized application identifier; and - When the extracted application identifier corresponds to an authorized application identifier, the data pair is stored (step 106) in the memory of the NFC reader 3.

[0072] Here, the authorized application identifier is vehicle type V. The data pair is therefore stored in the memory of the NFC reader 3. Method 100 then includes the following steps performed by the NFC reader 3: sending a request 103 to the first portable device 71 for the collection of the data pair, which includes the device identifier and the application identifier.

[0073] Method 100 then includes the following steps performed by the NFC reader 3: receiving 104 the data pair from the first portable device 71. In the illustrated example, the data pair is formed by a unique identifier 123 and an application identifier of vehicle type V.

[0074] Method 100 includes a new step performed by NFC reader 3: if the application identifier corresponds to an authorized application identifier (see above), then the data pair is stored 106 in the memory of NFC reader 3.

[0075] When data pairing of the first portable device 71 and the sixth portable device 76 of type A has been received, method 100 includes the following steps performed by NFC reader 3: sending 107 a data pairing with all stored data having a vehicle type application identifier corresponding to an authorized application identifier to control device 9.

[0076] At control device 9, each data pair is analyzed to compare a unique identifier (also referred to as a device identifier) ​​with a unique identifier of at least one authorized device. Here, the first device 71 has a unique identifier 123 corresponding to the unique identifier of the authorized device (see Table T1). Figure 2 The control device 9 therefore generates a request for an authentication key associated with the device having the unique identifier 123.

[0077] Method 100 then includes the following steps performed by the NFC reader 3: receiving the authentication key request described in 108 from the control device 9.

[0078] Method 100 then includes the following steps performed by the NFC reader 3: - Send 109 at least one request for authentication key collection to the portable device associated with the request (here, the first portable device 71); - Receive the authentication key described in 110; and - The received authentication key is sent to the control device 9 for comparison with at least one authorized authentication key, and for controlling the vehicle 1 when the sent authentication key corresponds to the authorized authentication key.

[0079] If the authentication key received by the control device 9 corresponds to the authorized authentication key registered in the control device 9, then method 100 includes the following steps performed by the control device 9: - The vehicle function corresponding to the automatic unlocking of control 112 and at least one door 4; and / or - Control 113 and the vehicle functions corresponding to the authorization to start vehicle 1.

[0080] If no portable device of the first type (i.e., type A in this example) returns the authentication key expected by the control device 9, the steps of method 100 are repeated for portable devices of the predetermined type corresponding to the second type (e.g., type B).

[0081] Furthermore, if no portable device of the second type (i.e., type B) returns the authentication key expected by the control device 9, the steps of method 100 are repeated for portable devices of the predetermined type corresponding to the third type (e.g., type F).

[0082] The aspects mentioned above in this invention have many advantages. In particular, this invention allows for a reduction in the delay between the moment an authorized portable device is present in the vicinity of an NFC reader and the moment the control device identifies the device as authorized. Therefore, it is possible that: - Reduce the time required for automatically unlocking at least one door of the vehicle and / or starting the vehicle; and - Prevent users from opening the door handle while the door is still locked; - Prevent users from attempting to start the vehicle before they are authorized to do so.

Claims

1. A method (100) of near-field communication implemented in a motor vehicle (1) in a near-field communication device (3) referred to as an NFC reader (3), the near-field communication device (3) being connected to a control device (9) configured to control the functions of the vehicle (1), the method (100) comprising the following steps performed by the NFC reader (3): - Send (101) an existence request for the detection of at least one portable device including a near-field communication device of a predetermined type; - Receive an existence message (102) from each portable device of the predetermined type; The method (100) is characterized in that it includes the following steps performed by the NFC reader (3) when multiple portable devices of the predetermined type are present: -For each of the predetermined types of portable devices; ○ Send (103) at least one request for the collection of data pairings including the device identifier and application identifier of the portable device; and ○ Receive the data pairing (104) from the portable device; - Upon receiving the data pair, the data pair is stored (106) in the memory of the NFC reader (3), each data pair having an application identifier corresponding to a predetermined authorized application identifier; -When the data pairing of each of the existing portable devices of the predetermined type has been received, send (107) all received and stored data pairs to the control device (9); - Receive (108) a request from the control device (9) for an authentication key associated with a data pair selected by the control device (9); - Send (109) at least one request for authentication key collection to the portable device associated with the selected data pair; - Receive the authentication key (110); and - The authentication key received by (111) is sent to the control device (9) for comparison with at least one authorized authentication key, and for controlling the functions of the vehicle when the sent authentication key corresponds to an authorized authentication key.

2. The method (100) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The step of sending (103) at least one request for data pairing collection is accompanied by: transmitting a request for the presence of at least one portable device including the near-field communication device of the predetermined type.

3. The method (100) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, If the data pair received during the step of receiving (104) data pairing from the portable device includes an application identifier that is different from the predetermined authorized application identifier, then the method (100) includes the step of storing (105) information relating to the portability of the data pairing that includes the application identifier that is different from the predetermined authorized application identifier.

4. The method (100) as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The steps of the method (100) are performed on a portable device of a predetermined type corresponding to the first type.

5. The method (100) as described in the preceding claims, characterized in that, If no portable device of the first type sends an authorized authentication key, the steps of method (100) are repeated for a portable device of a predetermined type that is distinct from the first type.

6. The method (100) as claimed in the preceding claims, characterized in that, If no portable device of the second type sends an authorized authentication key, the steps of method (100) are repeated for portable devices of a predetermined type that corresponds to a third type that is distinct from the first and second types.

7. The method (100) as claimed in any one of claims 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that, Type I, Type II, and Type III portable devices are selected from portable devices that include Type A, Type B, and Type F near-field communication devices.

8. A near-field communication device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), referred to as an NFC reader (3), the NFC reader (3) being configured to communicate with a control device (9) configured to control the functions of the vehicle (1), the NFC reader (3) being characterized in that it includes a memory configured to store data pairs received from a portable device including the near-field communication device, each data pair including a device identifier and an application identifier of the portable device, and the NFC reader (3) being configured to perform the steps of the method (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A system (2) for a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) comprising: Near field communication device (3) referred to as NFC reader (3); The system (2) is characterized in that the NFC reader (3) includes a memory configured to store data pairs received from a portable device including a near-field communication device, each data pair including a device identifier and an application identifier of the portable device, and the NFC reader (3) and the control device (9) are configured to perform the steps of the method (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The method (100) implemented in the system (2) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, If the authentication key received by the control device (9) corresponds to the authorized authentication key registered in the control device (9), then the method (100) includes the following steps performed by the control device (9): manipulating (112) the function of the vehicle corresponding to the automatic opening of at least one door (4).

11. The method (100) implemented in the system (2) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, If the authentication key received by the control device (9) corresponds to the authorized authentication key registered in the control device (9), then the method (100) includes the following steps performed by the control device (9): manipulating (113) the functions of the vehicle corresponding to the authorization of starting the vehicle (1).

12. A motor vehicle (1), characterized in that, It includes the system (2) as described in claim 9.

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