Wireless charging of a vehicle access device at any location within a vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-07
Smart Images
Figure CN122536050A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal device using a vehicle charging system, and a vehicle charging system for wireless charging. Background Technology
[0002] Vehicles are typically unlocked via wireless access devices, and in particular, the motor is authorized to start. Due to their high energy consumption, traditional vehicle keys are typically located using techniques based on measuring the field strength of a low-frequency electromagnetic field at 125 kHz. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The objective of this invention is particularly to reduce the problems of the aforementioned technologies and to further improve the technologies used for certified vehicles.
[0004] The solution to this task is achieved based on the teachings of the independent claims. Various embodiments and modifications of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal device using a vehicle charging system is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting location data of the mobile terminal device in and / or on a vehicle. In one embodiment, the mobile terminal device is configured to authenticate vehicle use. In one embodiment, the location data describes at least one position (preferably position and orientation, particularly position and orientation relative to the vehicle) of the mobile terminal device relative to the vehicle, particularly the position of the power receiver of the mobile terminal device, preferably a receiver for inductive charging. In one embodiment, the method includes determining charging location data for the mobile terminal device, particularly based on the detected location data of the mobile terminal device. In one embodiment, the charging location data describes at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle capable of being provided for wireless charging of the mobile terminal device. In one embodiment, the charging location data depends on the maximum and / or predetermined range of the vehicle charging system. In one embodiment, determining the charging location data includes checking the availability of wireless charging for the mobile terminal device. In one embodiment, the method includes—particularly based on the determined charging location data—wirelessly charging the mobile terminal device using the vehicle charging system.
[0006] Advantageously, in one embodiment, this enables the mobile terminal devices configured for vehicle authentication to have a smaller battery capacity, particularly because they are charged or can be charged before (briefly) using the methods described herein, especially during unlocking / unlocking and / or opening and / or during vehicle use. Consequently, particularly through the use of the mobile terminal devices' communication interfaces and / or communication methods, such as, more particularly (in one embodiment), ultra-wideband (UWB) and / or Bluetooth Low Energy, in one embodiment, it is possible that vehicles unlocked by means of mobile terminal devices configured for vehicle authentication are less susceptible to relay attacks, which is possible, for example, when low-frequency electromagnetic fields are used for authentication.
[0007] As used herein, the terms “in” or “within” specifically refer to the interior of the vehicle body, the passenger compartment, and / or the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, wherein, in one embodiment, the immediate vicinity may depend on the (vehicle) charging system, particularly the maximum charging distance, or at least substantially correspond to the certified range of action for use with the vehicle.
[0008] In one embodiment, the method includes checking vehicle use authentication, particularly as a preliminary step in the method. In another embodiment, subsequent steps of the method—particularly detecting location data of the mobile terminal device, determining charging location data for the mobile terminal device, and wirelessly charging the mobile terminal device—are based on the authentication check, especially when the check indicates that the mobile terminal device has authenticated vehicle use.
[0009] Advantageously, in one embodiment, this enables wireless charging only for mobile terminal devices used in certified vehicles, particularly via the vehicle's charging system. Advantageously, in one embodiment, this enables wireless charging for mobile terminal devices used in uncertified vehicles.
[0010] In one embodiment, the method includes detecting charging data of a mobile terminal device. In one embodiment, the charging data describes at least one state of charge of the energy storage device of the mobile terminal device, particularly regarding the charging capacity of the energy storage device. In other words, this allows for the detection, in one embodiment, of what charging capacity the mobile terminal device (currently) has and / or how the mobile terminal device is configured for wireless charging.
[0011] In one embodiment, the method includes detecting charging prerequisite data. In one embodiment, the charging prerequisite data describes at least one charging prerequisite for the mobile terminal device, specifically whether the mobile terminal device can be charged and / or whether one or more settings of the mobile terminal device allow charging, preferably whether a charging capacity threshold predetermined by the user of the mobile terminal device has been reached, particularly below or above, this charging capacity threshold, in one embodiment, describes whether the mobile terminal device must or should be charged, or need not or should not be charged.
[0012] In one implementation, wireless charging is additionally based on detected charging data and / or detected charging prerequisite data.
[0013] Advantageously, in one embodiment, it is possible (particularly quickly) to detect whether wireless charging should or can be initiated. Advantageously, in one embodiment, it is possible to improve the comfort of the vehicle user, particularly by eliminating the need for the user to connect a mobile device to an interface provided in the vehicle for charging, and / or to place the mobile device in a location within the vehicle designated for charging.
[0014] In one implementation, the detection of charging data and / or the determination of charging prerequisite data are performed via a data channel, particularly a wireless data channel, configured to facilitate or verify authentication for vehicle use. In another implementation, the method is based on the use of Bluetooth, particularly Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and / or Ultra-wideband (UWB), where location data can be detected via BLE and / or UWB, or the vehicle charging system and / or mobile terminal device are configured for this purpose.
[0015] Advantageously, this allows the use of security protocols already implemented in BLE and / or UWB, thereby minimizing or enabling the minimization of attack risks, particularly relay attacks. In particular, this can eliminate the need for a low-frequency antenna (LF antenna) in the vehicle in one implementation.
[0016] In one embodiment, the method additionally includes checking, in particular repeatedly checking, the wireless charging, and adjusting the wireless charging based on the check.
[0017] Thus, in one embodiment, it is advantageous to achieve that poor charging performance of the mobile terminal device can be identified or can be identified (especially early), and wireless charging, especially the determined charging location data, can be adjusted based on this check. Thus, in one embodiment, it is possible to achieve that the mobile terminal device is at least substantially charged well and / or optimized, or is able to be charged.
[0018] In one embodiment, the method additionally includes detecting, particularly repeatedly detecting, location data, and determining, particularly repeatedly determining, charging location data. In one embodiment, if the determined charging location data changes, at least one parameter of the wireless charging is changed, particularly when the determined charging location data deviates from the determined location data of the mobile terminal device.
[0019] Thus, in one embodiment, it is advantageous to achieve that wireless charging can continue even when the mobile terminal device is moving within the vehicle's interior space and / or, in another embodiment, within a predetermined area around the vehicle. Advantageously, in one embodiment, wireless charging does not need to be interrupted when the mobile terminal device is moving.
[0020] In one embodiment, the mobile terminal device has a vehicle key, or in another embodiment it is a vehicle key, or in yet another embodiment it has a digital key for authenticating the vehicle. In one embodiment, the mobile terminal device is a vehicle access device. In various embodiments, the mobile terminal device is (particularly) a key, smartphone, smartwatch, laptop, tablet, or similar device.
[0021] Therefore, in one embodiment, a mobile terminal device (preferably a smart terminal device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch) can be used to authenticate the use of the vehicle, particularly by means of the method described herein.
[0022] In one implementation, the method includes: terminating wireless charging when the detected location data describes the mobile terminal device leaving the vehicle, and / or when the determined charging location data describes the mobile terminal device moving out of (particularly possible) the wireless charging area and / or about to move out of or leave the area.
[0023] Thus, in one implementation, it is advantageous to achieve that wireless charging is properly terminated, particularly when the mobile terminal device is no longer in and / or on the vehicle.
[0024] Herein, within the scope of this invention, the foregoing method steps may be performed in different orders and / or the method steps may be combined and / or one method step may be integrated into another method step.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle charging system for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal device is provided, wherein the term in one embodiment refers to: the vehicle having a charging system for wireless charging, or the charging system for wireless charging being arranged in and / or on the vehicle, or the vehicle having means configured for this purpose. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system is configured to perform the methods described herein. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system is additionally configured to check or detect authentication of vehicle use via a mobile terminal device. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system has means for detecting location data of the mobile terminal device, particularly at least one sensor configured to detect the location of the mobile terminal device. In one embodiment, the means for checking / detecting authentication of use and the means for detecting location data, particularly for detecting charging data and / or for determining charging prerequisite data, at least substantially use the same communication standard or the same communication means, particularly BLE and / or UWB, particularly their antennas and / or modems. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system has means for determining charging location data, particularly at least one antenna, preferably at least three antennas. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system has means for wirelessly charging mobile terminal devices, particularly at least one antenna and / or at least one coil, preferably three or more antennas and / or three or more coils.
[0026] The systems and / or apparatuses in the sense of this invention can be constructed using hardware and / or software techniques, particularly having at least one (preferably digital, data and / or signal connected to a memory and / or bus system) processing unit, particularly a microprocessor unit (CPU), graphics card (GPU), or similar device, and / or one or more programs or program modules. The processing unit can be configured to execute instructions implemented as a program stored in a storage system, detect input signals from a data bus, and / or give output signals to a data bus. The storage system can have one or more, particularly different, storage media, particularly optical, magnetic, solid-state, and / or other non-volatile media. The program can be configured to embody or be able to perform the methods described herein, enabling the processing unit to perform the steps of such methods, and thereby, in particular, to operate or monitor a vehicle charging system.
[0027] In one embodiment, the computer program product may have (in particular) a computer-readable and / or non-volatile storage medium for storing programs or instructions, or have a program or instructions stored thereon. In one embodiment, the program or instructions are executed by a system or controller, in particular a computer or an arrangement of computers, causing the system or controller, in particular the computer or the computers, to perform the methods or one or more steps thereof described herein, or the program or instructions are configured for this purpose.
[0028] Computer programs can be stored, in particular, on non-volatile data carriers. Preferably, this is a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program itself is to be transacted independently of the processor platform on which one or more programs execute the program. In another implementation, the computer program can exist as a file on a data processing unit, particularly a server, and can be downloaded via a data connection, such as the Internet or a dedicated data connection (such as a private network or local area network). Furthermore, the computer program can have multiple individual program modules that work together. These modules can be configured, or at least set up, to execute on different devices (computers or processor units) in the sense of distributed computing, which are geographically separated from each other and interconnected via data networks.
[0029] Accordingly, the vehicle charging system may have a program memory storing computer programs. Alternatively, the vehicle charging system may also be configured to access externally available computer programs via a communication connection, such as computer programs available on one or more servers or other data processing units, particularly for exchanging data used during the execution of a method or computer program, or data representing the output of a computer program.
[0030] In one implementation, one or more, particularly all, steps of the method are performed fully or partially automatically, particularly by a controller or its means.
[0031] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “covering,” “having,” “with,” or any other variations thereof, as may be used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a method or apparatus.
[0032] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly stated, "or" refers to an inclusive "or," not an exclusive "or." For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).
[0033] As used herein, the term “a” or “one” is defined in the sense of “one or more”. The terms “another” and “another” and any other variations thereof should be understood in the sense of “at least another one”.
[0034] As may be used herein, the terms "configured to" or "set to" perform a specific function (and their respective variations) should be understood to mean that the relevant device or component is already in a configuration or setting capable of performing that function, or at least is adjustable—that is, configurable—to enable it to perform that function after a corresponding setting. Here, configuration can be performed, for example, by setting parameters of a process or switch, to activate or deactivate a function or setting. In particular, the device may have multiple predetermined configuration or operating modes, such that configuration can be performed by selecting one of these configuration or operating modes.
[0035] Further advantages, features, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0036] Here, Figure 1 A vehicle with a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated; and Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The elements shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the drawings are presented in such a way that their function and general purpose will be understandable to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the connections and couplings between the functional units and elements shown in the drawings may also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. Functional units may in particular be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.
[0038] Figure 1A vehicle 1 equipped with a vehicle charging system 4 is schematically shown. A mobile terminal device 2 is schematically shown in two locations: once outside the vehicle 1 (shown by dashed lines) and specifically outside the area 5 surrounding the vehicle 1 (also shown by dashed lines), and again inside the vehicle 1 (shown by solid lines). The first location corresponds to a location where wireless charging S40 via the vehicle charging system 4 is (just) not yet possible, or where the mobile terminal device 2 is pre-determined not to be charged. The other location inside the vehicle 1 is also within the dashed area 5, where wireless charging S40 of the mobile terminal device 2 can be performed. In one embodiment, area 5 may correspond to an area 5 pre-determined for vehicle 1 usage authentication. In other words, in one embodiment, an area pre-determined for unlocking and / or opening the vehicle 1 may correspond to an area 5 set up for wireless charging of the mobile terminal device 2.
[0039] In one embodiment, a user approaches a vehicle 1 with their mobile terminal device 2, for which the mobile terminal device 2 is authorized to access the vehicle 1. This method, in one embodiment, authorizes entry into the vehicle 1, particularly when the mobile terminal device is within (or enters) an area 5 where vehicle 1 access authentication is possible. Furthermore, the mobile terminal device 2 is preferably wirelessly charged via a vehicle charging system 4, which has a wireless charging device 3, preferably an antenna and / or coil. Here, as indicated by the arrows, the position of the mobile terminal device 2 may change, and the method handles this positional change, adjusting the wireless charging device 3 accordingly to wirelessly charge the mobile terminal device 2 also at the changed position, for example, subsequently within the vehicle 1 (particularly while the vehicle 1 is in motion). This can, particularly in one embodiment, continue for such a long time until the mobile terminal device is fully charged or charged to a predetermined value, or until another parameter (charging prerequisite data), particularly related to wireless charging, ends or interrupts wireless charging. In this way, the security-related drawbacks of low-frequency authentication methods can be eliminated in various embodiments.
[0040] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown schematically. Detecting location data S20 is shown here as a method step. Following detecting location data S20 is determining charging location data S30. Furthermore, the method includes wirelessly charging the mobile terminal device S40. Further schematically (dashed lines), the method also includes detecting charging data of the mobile terminal device S10 and / or detecting charging prerequisite data S11. Moreover, this schematic flowchart shows that in various embodiments, at least a portion of the method is repeated or can be repeated. Figure 2 The S50 wireless charging is also indicated by a dashed line.
[0041] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that numerous variations exist. It should also be noted here that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein it should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the subject matter correspondingly defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
[0042] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0043] 1 vehicle
[0044] 2. Mobile terminal devices
[0045] 3 Wireless charging device
[0046] 4. Vehicle charging system
[0047] 5 areas
[0048] S10 detects charging data
[0049] S11 detects charging prerequisite data
[0050] S20 Detection Location Data
[0051] S30 determines charging location data
[0052] S40 Wireless Charging
[0053] S50 wireless charging ends.
Claims
1. A method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal device (2) using a vehicle charging system (4), the mobile terminal device being configured to authenticate the use of a vehicle (1), the method comprising: Detect (S20) the location data of the mobile terminal device (2) in and / or on the vehicle (1), wherein the mobile terminal device (2) is configured to authenticate the use of the vehicle (1), and wherein the location data describes at least one location of the mobile terminal device (2) relative to the vehicle (1). Based on the detected location data, (S30) charging location data for the mobile terminal device (2) is determined, wherein the charging location data describes at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle (1) that can be provided for wireless charging of the mobile terminal device (2) by means of the vehicle charging system (4). Based on the determined charging location data, the mobile terminal device (2) is wirelessly charged using the vehicle charging system (4) (S40).
2. The method according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method additionally includes: Detect (S10) charging data of the mobile terminal device (2), wherein the charging data describes at least one state of charge of the energy storage of the mobile terminal device (2), particularly regarding the charging capacity of the energy storage; and / or Detect (S11) charging prerequisite data, wherein the charging prerequisite data describes at least one charging prerequisite of the mobile terminal device (2), in particular whether the mobile terminal device (2) can be charged and / or whether the settings of the mobile terminal device (2) allow charging; The wireless charging (S40) is additionally based on the detected charging data and / or the detected charging prerequisite data.
3. The method according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The detection of charging data (S10) and / or the detection of charging prerequisite data (S11) are carried out by means of a data channel, particularly a wireless data channel, which is configured to facilitate the authentication of the use of the vehicle (1).
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method additionally includes checking, in particular repeatedly checking, the wireless charging (S40), and adjusting the wireless charging based on the checks.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method additionally includes detecting (S20), particularly repeatedly detecting location data and determining (S30) charging location data, and changing at least one parameter of wireless charging (S40) if the determined charging location data changes.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The mobile terminal device (2) is a vehicle key or has a digital key used to authenticate the vehicle (1).
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Location data detection (S20) is performed using at least one positioning algorithm configured to authorize motor activation.
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wireless charging (S40) includes: orienting a magnetic field configured for wireless charging of a mobile terminal device (2) based on detected location data and / or determined charging location data.
9. A vehicle charging system (4) for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal device (2) (S40), wherein, The vehicle charging system (4) has a device for authenticating vehicle use via a mobile terminal device (2) and a device for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal device (2), wherein the vehicle charging system is configured as follows: Detect (S20) the location data of the mobile terminal device (2) in and / or on the vehicle (1), wherein the mobile terminal device (2) is configured to authenticate the use of the vehicle (1), and wherein the location data describes at least one location of the mobile terminal device (2) relative to the vehicle (1). Based on the detected location data, (S30) charging location data for the mobile terminal device (2) is determined, wherein the charging location data describes at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle (1) that can be provided for wireless charging of the mobile terminal device (2) by means of the vehicle charging system (4). Based on the determined charging location data, the mobile terminal device (2) is wirelessly charged using the vehicle charging system (4) (S40).
10. A computer program or computer program product, wherein, The computer program or computer program product contains instructions, particularly instructions stored on a computer-readable and / or non-volatile storage medium, which, when executed by one or more computers or the vehicle charging system (4) according to claim 9, cause the one or more computers or the system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.