Apparatus and method for managing wireless connections

Abstract

A device and method for managing a wireless connection, the wireless connection management device including: a communication section that scans for an advertisement signal periodically transmitted from a vehicle; a control section configured to make a wireless connection with the vehicle that transmitted the scanned advertisement signal when a background service of a background application is running; and a storage section that stores setting information of the background service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for managing wireless connections. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of digital key technology used in vehicles, the number of car models using digital keys is increasing. This digital key technology allows users to control their vehicles via Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) between mobile devices and the vehicle.

[0003] To control a vehicle using a digital key, a wireless connection is required via an application installed on a mobile device or by running the application and logging in.

[0004] However, in mobile devices with limited operating systems (OS) or poor internet connectivity, even with applications running, login is impossible, thus preventing the use of digital keys. Therefore, various solutions for managing wireless connections are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for managing wireless connections.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, but also include the objectives or technical effects embodied by the technical solutions or implementation methods described below.

[0007] A wireless connection management device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a communication unit that scans advertising signals periodically transmitted from a vehicle; a control unit configured to wirelessly connect with the vehicle transmitting the scanned advertising signals while a background service of an application running in the background is running; and a storage unit that stores setting information of the background service.

[0008] The control unit is configured to: run the application when the background service is not running; log in to the application when the internet connection is good; and establish a wireless connection with the vehicle when the login is successful.

[0009] The control unit is configured to wirelessly connect to the vehicle when the internet connection is poor.

[0010] The control unit is configured to: when the vehicle is turned off while it is running, and the internet connection is good and the background service is running, display a pop-up window asking whether to terminate the background service; and terminate the running background service when the user receives a request to terminate the background service through the displayed pop-up window.

[0011] The control unit is configured to maintain the current state when the background service is not running or when no request to terminate the background service is received.

[0012] The control unit is configured to: confirm whether the background service is running when the internet connection is poor; display a pop-up window asking whether to run the background service when the background service is not running; and run the background service when a request to run the background service is received from the user through the displayed pop-up window.

[0013] The control unit is configured to maintain the current state when the background service is running or when no background service running request is received.

[0014] The control unit is configured to automatically terminate the background service when the vehicle is turned off, the internet connection is good, and the background service is running, provided that the internet connection is good.

[0015] The control unit is configured to: when the internet connection is poor and the background service is set to run automatically, confirm whether the background service is running; if the background service is not running, automatically run the background service.

[0016] The control unit is configured to maintain the current state when the background service is not set to run automatically or when the background service is running.

[0017] The wireless connection management method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps: storing setting information of a background service of a background running application; scanning for advertising signals periodically transmitted from a vehicle during the operation of the background service; and establishing a wireless connection with the vehicle transmitting the advertising signals.

[0018] During the wireless connection process, the application can be run when the background service is not in operation. When the internet connection is good, the application can be logged in, and a wireless connection can be established with the vehicle upon successful login.

[0019] In the step of establishing a wireless connection, a wireless connection can be established with the vehicle even when the internet connection is poor.

[0020] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: when the vehicle is turned off while the internet connection is good and the background service is running, displaying a pop-up window asking whether to terminate the background service; and terminating the running background service when the user receives a request to terminate the background service through the displayed pop-up window.

[0021] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: maintaining the current state when the background service is not running or no request to terminate the background service is received.

[0022] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: when the Internet connection is poor, confirming whether the background service is running; when the background service is not running, displaying a pop-up window asking whether to run the background service; and running the background service when receiving a request to run the background service from the user through the displayed pop-up window.

[0023] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: maintaining the current state when the background service is running or when no background service running request is received.

[0024] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: when the vehicle is turned off while it is running, and the internet connection is good and the background service is running, automatically terminate the background service.

[0025] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: when the Internet connection is poor and the background service is set to run automatically, confirm whether the background service is running; and when the background service is not running, automatically run the background service.

[0026] The wireless connection management method may further include the following steps: maintaining the current state when the background service is not set to run automatically or when the background service is running.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a background service running an application in the background automatically establishes a wireless connection with a vehicle when a user using a mobile device that is running the background service approaches the vehicle, thereby enabling easy wireless connection even in areas with poor internet connectivity.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, vehicle control can be achieved normally using digital keys because wireless connection is easily established and is independent of the Internet environment.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, background services can be terminated in areas with good internet connectivity, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and preventing the battery from running out of power faster.

[0030] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and will be more easily understood in the process of describing specific embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a system for managing wireless connections according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2To show Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the integrated control unit.

[0033] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating a region for wireless connectivity according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 To show Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the mobile device.

[0035] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating a method for managing wireless connections according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 To show Figure 5 The diagram shows the normal mode entry process.

[0037] Figure 7 To show Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the process of entering offline mode.

[0038] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of a wireless connection management method when the startup state is off.

[0039] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating another example of a wireless connection management method when the startup state is off.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 100: Vehicles

[0042] 110: Integrated Control Department

[0043] 200: Mobile devices

[0044] 300: Server. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components of the embodiments of the present invention can be selectively combined or substituted.

[0047] Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this invention shall be understood to have the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and terms consistent with the definitions in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning in the context of the relevant art.

[0048] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is only for describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0049] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular form also includes the plural meaning, and when stated as "at least one (or more) of A and (and) B, C", it should be interpreted as including one or more of all combinations that can be made of A, B, and C.

[0050] Furthermore, when describing the components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish different components and do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement of the components.

[0051] Moreover, when describing a component as "connected," "joined," or "connected" to another component, it includes not only cases where the component is directly connected, joined, or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly "connected," "joined," or "connected" through other components between the component and the other component.

[0052] Furthermore, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" of each component, "above" or "below" not only refers to the situation where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also includes the situation where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," based on a single component, it includes not only the upper direction but also the lower direction.

[0053] In this embodiment, a novel approach is proposed: by enabling a background service that runs an application in the background, a user using a mobile device with the background service running will automatically establish a wireless connection with the vehicle when they approach it.

[0054] Background services refer to services that are not visible on the screen of a mobile device but run applications within the operating system.

[0055] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a system for managing wireless connections according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the integrated control unit. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating a region for wireless connectivity according to an embodiment.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for managing wireless connections may include: a vehicle 100 having an integrated control unit 110, a mobile device 200, and a server 300.

[0057] The integrated control unit 110 can wirelessly link with the mobile device 200 and manage the wireless connection with the mobile device 200. The integrated control unit 110 can periodically send advertising signals to inform surrounding mobile devices of the vehicle's presence. At this time, the integrated control unit 110 can send advertising signals in a broadcasting manner without establishing a communication connection with the mobile device.

[0058] Subsequently, the integrated control unit 110 and the mobile device 200 can wirelessly link together via Bluetooth Low Energy communication, but this is not a limitation. They can also achieve wireless linking via UWB (ultra-wideband) communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication, and other methods.

[0059] Integrated control unit 110 can be as follows Figure 2 The diagram shows a communication unit 111, a control unit 112, and an authentication unit 113.

[0060] The communication unit 111 can periodically transmit advertising signals to surrounding mobile devices and establish a wireless connection with the mobile device 200 that scans the advertising signals.

[0061] The communication unit 111 can receive wireless signals from the wirelessly connected mobile device 200. The control unit 112 can obtain the location information of the mobile device 200 based on the received wireless signals, and determine whether the mobile device 200 is approaching the vehicle based on the location information of the mobile device 200.

[0062] For example, the Communications Department 111 can continuously confirm the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the wireless signal received from the mobile device, and based on the confirmed RSSI, confirm whether the mobile device is approaching the vehicle.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, centered on the vehicle, it may include a first area A1 for confirming the location of the mobile device and a second area A2 for performing startup authentication.

[0064] The first area A1 and the second area A2 are pre-defined areas centered on the vehicle, but are not limited to this. In this case, the first area A1 is an area outside the vehicle and can be changed according to the user's request. The second area A2 can be an area inside the vehicle.

[0065] The control unit 112 can recognize operations such as a user pressing a button or key. The authentication unit 113 can perform authentication with the mobile device 200 according to the instructions of the control unit 112 corresponding to the user's operation, and notify the control unit 112 of the authentication result. When authentication is successful, the control unit 112 can execute control functions corresponding to the user's operation.

[0066] The mobile device 200 can be linked with the vehicle 100 to scan advertising signals transmitted from the vehicle and establish a wireless connection with the vehicle transmitting the scanned advertising signals.

[0067] Mobile device 200 can run background services while continuously running applications. Furthermore, mobile device 200 can be configured to not run background services.

[0068] Mobile device 200 can operate in offline mode. Mobile device 200 can run in offline mode even in environments with poor internet connectivity. Offline mode refers to a mode that allows wireless connection without a login process.

[0069] Mobile device 200 can use a digital key to perform pre-authentication with the vehicle, and upon successful pre-authentication, control various functions included in vehicle 100. This digital key can be implemented via a mobile device application without requiring a physical form.

[0070] The mobile device 200 can communicate with the integrated control unit 110 in the vehicle via wireless communication such as Bluetooth Low Energy communication, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0071] Server 300 can interact with mobile device 200 and provide digital keys to mobile device 200. Server 300 can store the unique serial number of the digital key.

[0072] Figure 4 To show Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the mobile device.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 As an apparatus for managing wireless connections according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device 200 may include a communication unit 210, an input unit 220, a control unit 230, a display unit 240, and a storage unit 250.

[0074] The communication unit 210 can scan advertising signals transmitted from the vehicle. The communication unit 210 can establish a wireless connection with the integrated control unit 110 of the vehicle that has scanned the advertising signals.

[0075] The input unit 220 can receive information input corresponding to the user's touch or key operations. The user can use the input unit 220 to configure whether to run background services.

[0076] After configuring whether to run background services, the control unit 230 can continuously run the application for wireless connection with the vehicle in the background. When an advertising signal is received from the vehicle, if the background service is running, the control unit 230 can automatically establish a wireless connection with the vehicle through the running application.

[0077] When the background service is not running and the Internet connection is good, the control unit 230 can run the application and enter normal mode to perform the login process where the user enters their ID and password through the running application. When the login is successful, a screen for wireless connection is displayed.

[0078] When the internet connection is poor, the control unit 230 can run the application and enter offline mode, and then display the screen for wireless connection without a login process.

[0079] Display unit 240 can display the main screen of an application. The application can display a login screen or a screen for wireless connection.

[0080] Storage unit 250 can store information indicating whether the background service is running, as well as information such as user ID and password used for automatic login in offline mode.

[0081] Figure 5 The figure illustrates a method for managing wireless connections according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 To show Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the normal mode entry process. Figure 7 To show Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the process of entering offline mode.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a mobile device receives an advertising signal from a nearby vehicle (S101), it can confirm whether a background service is running (S102).

[0083] Then, while the background service is running, the mobile device can scan advertising signals transmitted from surrounding vehicles and wirelessly connect with the vehicle transmitting the scanned advertising signal (S103).

[0084] Then, after the mobile device wirelessly connects to the vehicle, it can perform authentication with the wirelessly connected vehicle, and then control the functions of the successfully authenticated vehicle (S104).

[0085] At this point, mobile devices can use digital keys to authenticate with the vehicle.

[0086] Conversely, when the background service is not running, the mobile device can run an application for wireless connection (S105) and check whether the Internet status is good (S106).

[0087] Then, when the internet connection is good, the mobile device can enter normal mode (S107).

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, after the mobile device enters normal mode, the login screen of the running application can be displayed (S107-1), and the login process of the user entering ID and password through the displayed login screen can be carried out (S107-2).

[0089] Then, after the mobile device successfully logs in (S107-3), a wireless connection screen for wireless connection can be displayed (S107-4). When the user requests a wireless connection through the displayed wireless connection screen (S107-5), a wireless connection with the vehicle is established (S109).

[0090] Conversely, when the internet connection is poor, the mobile device can enter offline mode (S108).

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, after the mobile device enters offline mode, a wireless connection screen for wireless connection of the running application can be displayed (S108-1). When the user requests a wireless connection through the displayed wireless connection screen (S108-2), a wireless connection with the vehicle is established (S109).

[0092] At this time, unlike the normal mode, if you enter the offline mode, you can automatically log in, so the wireless connection screen can be displayed directly without the login process.

[0093] The mobile device can then scan advertising signals transmitted from surrounding vehicles and wirelessly connect to the vehicle transmitting the scanned advertising signal (S103).

[0094] Then, after establishing a wireless connection with the vehicle, the mobile device can perform authentication with the wirelessly connected vehicle, and then control the functions of the successfully authenticated vehicle (S104).

[0095] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of a wireless connection management method when the startup state is off.

[0096] Reference Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a mobile device is turned off while the vehicle is in the ignition state, it can receive a trigger message "vehicle off" (S201) from the vehicle.

[0097] Then, when the mobile device receives the trigger message, it can check whether the Internet status is good (S202), and if the Internet status is good, it can check whether the background service is running (S203).

[0098] Then, the mobile device can display a pop-up window asking whether to terminate the running background service while it is in operation (S204). The reason for this is that running background services in areas with good internet connectivity increases power consumption and may cause the battery to drain faster, and since the internet connectivity is good, there is no problem running background services at any time.

[0099] Then, when the mobile device requests to end the background service through the displayed pop-up window (S205), it can terminate the running background service (S206).

[0100] Conversely, mobile devices can maintain the running state of background services when background services are not running or have not requested to be terminated (S207).

[0101] At this time, when the mobile device is in poor internet condition, it can check whether the background service is running (S208). If the background service is not running, a pop-up window asking whether to run the background service is displayed (S209).

[0102] Then, when the mobile device requests to run a background service through the displayed pop-up window (S210), the background service can be run (S211).

[0103] Conversely, the mobile device can maintain the current state of the background service when the background service is running or when no request is made to run the background service (S212).

[0104] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating another example of a wireless connection management method when the startup state is off.

[0105] Reference Figure 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a mobile device is turned off while the vehicle is in the ignition state, it can receive a trigger message "vehicle off" (S301) from the vehicle.

[0106] Then, when the mobile device receives the trigger message, it can check whether the internet status is good (S302), and if the internet status is good, it can check whether the background service is running (S303).

[0107] Then, while the mobile device is running a background service, it can automatically terminate the running background service without requiring the user's consent (S304).

[0108] Conversely, mobile devices can maintain the state where background services are not running when background services are not running (S305).

[0109] At this time, if the internet connection is poor, the mobile device can check whether background services are running, such as whether automatic running of background services has been set (S306).

[0110] Then, when the mobile device has the automatic running of the background service set, it can check whether the background service is running (S307). If the background service is not running, it will run the background service automatically (S308).

[0111] Conversely, mobile devices can maintain the current state of background services when no automatic operation of background services is set or when they are running (S309).

[0112] In this embodiment, the term "~part" can refer to software or hardware components such as FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) that can perform certain functions. However, "~part" is not limited to hardware or software. A "~part" can be configured to reside in addressable memory or can be configured to be executed by one or more processors. Therefore, as an example, "~part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components; processes; functions; attributes; procedures; subroutines and program code segments; drivers; firmware; microcode; circuits; data; databases; data structures; tables; arrays; and variables. Components and the functions provided within a "~part" can be combined into a smaller number of components and "~parts," or can be further separated into additional components and "~parts." Furthermore, components and "~parts" can also be implemented by one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card.

[0113] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless connection management device, comprising: The communications department scans advertising signals periodically transmitted from vehicles; The control unit is configured to: wirelessly connect with the vehicle transmitting the scanned advertising signal while the background service of the application is running in the background; and The storage unit stores the settings information of the background service.

2. The wireless connection management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: When the background service is not running, the application is run, and when the internet connection is good, the application is logged in. Upon successful login, a wireless connection is established with the vehicle.

3. The wireless connection management device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is configured to wirelessly connect to the vehicle when the internet connection is poor.

4. The wireless connection management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: With the vehicle powered off, and the internet connection good and the background service running, a pop-up window will appear asking whether to terminate the background service. When a request to terminate the background service is received from the user via a pop-up window, the running background service is terminated.

5. The wireless connection management device according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: Maintain the current state when the background service is not running or when no request to terminate the background service is received.

6. The wireless connection management device according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: When internet connectivity is poor, confirm whether the background service is running. If the background service is not running, a pop-up window will be displayed asking whether to run the background service. When a background service is requested to run from the user via a pop-up window, the background service is run.

7. The wireless connection management device according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: Maintain the current state when the background service is running or when no background service running request has been received.

8. The wireless connection management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: When the vehicle is turned off and the internet connection is good while the background service is running, the background service will automatically terminate.

9. The wireless connection management device according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: If the internet connection is poor and the background service is set to run automatically, confirm whether the background service is currently running. The background service will run automatically if it is not running.

10. The wireless connection management device according to claim 9, wherein, The control unit is configured as follows: If the background service is not set to run automatically or is currently running, maintain the current state.

11. A wireless connection management method, comprising the following steps: Settings information for background services of applications running in the background; During the operation of the background service, advertising signals periodically transmitted from the vehicle are scanned; and Wireless connection is established with the vehicle transmitting the advertising signal.

12. The wireless connection management method according to claim 11, wherein, During the wireless connection process When the background service is not running, the application is run, and when the internet connection is good, the application is logged in. Upon successful login, a wireless connection is established with the vehicle.

13. The wireless connection management method according to claim 12, wherein, During the wireless connection process Establish a wireless connection with the vehicle when the internet connection is poor.

14. The wireless connection management method according to claim 11 further includes the following steps: When the vehicle is turned off and the internet connection is good and the background service is running, a pop-up window will appear asking whether to end the background service. When a request to terminate the background service is received from the user via a pop-up window, the running background service is terminated.

15. The wireless connection management method according to claim 14, further comprising the following steps: Maintain the current state when the background service is not running or when no request to terminate the background service is received.

16. The wireless connection management method according to claim 14 further includes the following steps: When the internet connection is poor, confirm whether the background service is running; If the background service is not running, display a pop-up window asking whether to run the background service; and When a background service is requested to run from the user via a pop-up window, the background service is run.

17. The wireless connection management method according to claim 16 further includes the following steps: Maintain the current state when the background service is running or when no background service running request has been received.

18. The wireless connection management method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: When the vehicle is turned off and the internet connection is good while the background service is running, the background service will automatically terminate.

19. The wireless connection management method according to claim 18 further includes the following steps: If the internet connection is poor and the background service is set to run automatically, confirm whether the background service is currently running; and The background service will run automatically if it is not running.

20. The wireless connection management method according to claim 19 further includes the following steps: If the background service is not set to run automatically or is currently running, maintain the current state.

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