Adapter unit for smartphone

Abstract

The utility model relates to an adapter unit (100, 200, 300) for a smart phone (202). The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) comprises: an antenna unit, which has at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302), which is designed to transmit and receive V2X messages; a computing unit (106, 206, 306), which is designed to decode and evaluate the V2X messages received by the at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302) and to generate V2X messages to be transmitted by the at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302); and a first interface (108, 208, 308), which is configured for data transmission between the computing unit (106, 206, 306) and the smartphone (202).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an adapter unit for a smart phone, wherein the adapter unit realizes so-called V2X communication of the smart phone. Background Art

[0002] V2X communication is also known as vehicle-to-everything communication, Car2X communication or vehicle-to-X communication and enables data exchange between participants of V2X communication. Participants of V2X communication are mainly vehicles. In addition, traffic infrastructure devices (such as traffic control devices) can also be participants of V2X communication. Communication between participants of V2X communication is carried out via radio signals, which are exchanged between participants, for example, using ITS-G5 / DSRC (dedicated short-range communication) or in a mobile radio network, for example via PC5 or Uu interface.

[0003] At present, the focus of V2X communication is mainly on cars and traffic infrastructure devices as participants in V2X communication, because cars and traffic infrastructure devices have sufficient installation space and energy to be equipped with devices that can realize V2X communication. However, the focus of V2X communication is also increasingly expanding to so-called unprotected road users. Unprotected road users (abbreviated VRU) are road users who are at a particularly high risk of injury or death in road traffic because there is no "protective shell" such as a driver's cabin around them. The group of unprotected road users includes cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

[0004] Including unprotected road users in V2X communication is particularly beneficial for improving the protection of unprotected road users. For example, an unprotected road user can use V2X communication to promptly alert other road users, especially cars, to his presence and warn other road users approaching him. However, the devices currently used for V2X communication in cars and traffic infrastructure devices are not suitable for use by unprotected road users due to the installation space they occupy and the energy required for their operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The object of the invention is to specify a device which enables road users to participate in V2X communication and which is suitable in particular for use by unprotected road users.

[0006] According to the utility model, this object is solved by an adapter unit for a smartphone, which has the following functional units:

[0007] an antenna unit having at least one antenna configured to send and receive V2X messages;

[0008] a computing unit configured to decode and evaluate V2X messages received by the at least one antenna and to generate V2X messages to be sent by the at least one antenna; and

[0009] A first interface, which is set up for data transmission between the computing unit and the smartphone.

[0010] The utility model aims to use smartphones for V2X communication. Nowadays, most road users own smartphones. However, conventional smartphones are not set up for V2X communication. For example, the antenna unit of a conventional smartphone is not designed for a specific frequency range provided for radio signals for V2X communication. In addition, conventional smartphones are not set up for decoding, evaluating and generating V2X messages. Nevertheless, in order to use conventional smartphones for V2X communication, the utility model provides an adapter unit for a smartphone. The adapter unit includes at least one antenna, which is set up for sending and receiving V2X messages. Such an antenna is set up for sending and receiving radio signals with frequencies within the V2X communication frequency band. In addition, the adapter unit also includes a computing unit for decoding, evaluating and generating V2X messages. The adapter unit also has a first interface for transmitting data between the computing unit and the smartphone.

[0011] The utility model can particularly realize that a smartphone can be used for V2X communication through a plug-and-play connection with an adapter unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first interface has a USB interface.

[0013] A USB interface (USB: abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus) is particularly suitable as an interface of the adapter unit for data transmission between the adapter unit and the smartphone, since most smartphones currently also have a USB interface.

[0014] As an alternative or in addition, in another embodiment of the invention, the first interface of the adapter unit has a radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface.

[0015] Data can be transmitted wirelessly between the adapter unit and the smartphone via the radio interface of the adapter unit. This eliminates the need to connect the adapter unit to the smartphone, for example via a cable connection or a plug connection. This is particularly advantageous if the adapter unit is designed such that it does not need to be mechanically connected to the smartphone, but can be arranged at a spatial distance from the smartphone.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first interface is designed for data transmission between the computing unit and the vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0017] The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended in particular to use the adapter unit according to the invention for motorcycles. Many motorcycle drivers use their smartphone in the dashboard of the motorcycle for navigation or similar purposes during long journeys. In addition, many motorcycles have been offering interfaces for years for accessing data, for example via the CAN bus (CAN: abbreviation for Controller Area Network) of the motorcycle. If the first interface of the adapter unit is connected to such an interface of the motorcycle, the computing unit of the adapter unit can use the data that can be obtained via the interface of the motorcycle, for example in order to issue a warning via V2X communication in the event of emergency braking of the motorcycle or in the event of a fall of the motorcycle. It is difficult to extract such information via the sensor device of a smartphone.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter unit has a battery which is designed to supply energy to the at least one antenna and the computing unit.

[0019] This embodiment of the invention takes into account that the operation of the at least one antenna and the computing unit of the adapter unit requires energy. In principle, this energy could be provided by the battery of the smartphone connected to the adapter unit. However, this would put a strain on the smartphone battery and could jeopardize the acceptance of the adapter by smartphone users. According to the above embodiment of the invention, these problems are solved by a battery integrated into the adapter unit, which is set up to supply energy to the at least one antenna and the computing unit.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the adapter unit has a second interface, via which the smartphone can be charged with the battery of the adapter unit.

[0021] Therefore, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the utility model, the battery of the adapter unit is used not only to supply energy to the at least one antenna and the computing unit of the adapter unit, but also to charge the smartphone connected to the adapter unit. In this way, in particular, the increased energy demand of the smartphone caused by V2X communication can be compensated.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second interface has a USB interface.

[0023] This embodiment of the invention makes use of the fact that electrical energy can be transferred via a USB connection and that most smartphones have a USB interface for charging.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second interface has a charging function for wirelessly charging the smartphone using the battery of the adapter unit.

[0025] Many smartphones can be charged wirelessly, wherein charging is performed using the principle of electromagnetic induction (so-called inductive charging). Therefore, the second interface of the adapter unit can be used in particular for inductive charging of smartphones.

[0026] The first interface and the second interface may also be integrated into a common interface, for example, into a USB interface or a wireless interface.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the adapter unit has a third interface, which can be connected to the battery of the electric bicycle for supplying energy to at least one antenna and the computing unit. Here, the battery of the adapter unit can be charged by the battery of the electric bicycle via the third interface.

[0028] An electric bicycle is a bicycle with an electric auxiliary motor. The auxiliary motor is supplied with electrical energy by the battery of the electric bicycle. The above-mentioned embodiment of the utility model enables the battery of the electric bicycle to supply energy to at least one antenna and a computing unit and to charge the battery of the adapter unit.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the battery of the adapter unit can be charged wirelessly.

[0030] In particular, the adapter unit enables inductive charging of its battery.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter unit has a mechanical and / or magnetic mount for fastening the smartphone.

[0032] In particular, the holder can be designed in such a way that the smartphone is also electrically connected to the adapter unit when it is fixed, for example via a plug connection.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter unit has a flat recess which is surrounded by an edge region and is designed to receive the smartphone in the recess in a form-fitting manner.

[0034] In the above embodiments of the present invention, the edge region of the adapter unit surrounding the groove can simultaneously protect the smartphone.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter unit has a holding device for fastening the adapter unit to a handlebar of a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0036] The above-described embodiments of the utility model are particularly intended for using the adapter unit for two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles or electric scooters. If the adapter unit is designed for fixing or accommodating a smartphone, it is particularly advantageous to fix the adapter unit on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle, because in this case the smartphone is also arranged on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle together with the adapter unit and can therefore be conveniently used by the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle, for example for navigation purposes.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter unit has two antennas which are designed for simultaneously different channels within a frequency band.

[0038] The above-mentioned embodiment of the utility model enables the adapter unit to be used for sending and receiving V2X messages, which are transmitted by radio signals whose frequencies are in channels different from each other within a frequency band, thereby improving the flexibility of use of the adapter unit.

[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation of the V2X message by the computing unit is intended to identify a dangerous situation for a user of the adapter unit, and the computing unit is configured to generate a warning message with a prompt about the dangerous situation when a dangerous situation is identified and transmit the warning message to the smartphone via the first interface.

[0040] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the utility model, the adapter unit is used to warn the user of the adapter unit of a dangerous situation. Therefore, the adapter unit is particularly suitable for protecting unprotected road users. In this case, the V2X message received by the adapter unit is evaluated by a computing unit of the adapter unit in order to identify the dangerous situation. The computing unit generates a warning message for the identified dangerous situation and transmits the warning message to the smartphone, so that the user of the adapter unit can be warned of the dangerous situation via the smartphone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of an adapter unit for a smartphone according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an adapter unit for a smartphone according to the utility model and a smartphone are shown,

[0044] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an adapter unit for a smartphone according to the present invention and a smartphone are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an adapter unit 100 for a smartphone according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] The adapter unit 100 has a flat recess 101 for a smartphone and is designed to receive the smartphone in a form-fitting manner in the recess 101. The recess 101 is surrounded by an edge region 103 which holds the smartphone in the recess 101.

[0047] The adapter unit 100 has two antennas 102, 104. The two antennas 102, 104 are arranged in opposite edge regions of the adapter unit 100, which form longitudinal sides of the adapter unit 100. Each antenna 102, 104 is set up for sending and receiving V2X messages. In other words, each antenna 102, 104 is set up for sending and receiving radio signals with frequencies within the V2X communication band. In this case, the antennas 102, 104 can be designed for channels that are different from each other at the same time within a frequency band.

[0048] The adapter unit 100 also has a computing unit 106, which is set up to decode and evaluate the V2X messages received by the at least one antenna 102, 104 and is set up to generate the V2X messages to be sent by the at least one antenna 102, 104. In addition to a processor (CPU, central processing unit), the computing unit 106 also has a working memory (RAM, random access memory) for volatile storage of variables and intermediate results. For example, the processor and the working memory are combined on one integrated circuit. As an alternative, the processor and the working memory can be arranged separately from each other, for example, respectively on different integrated circuits. The computer program for decoding, evaluating and generating V2X messages is executed by the processor.

[0049] The adapter unit 100 also has a first interface 108, which is set up for data transmission between the computing unit 106 and the smartphone. For example, the first interface 108 has a USB interface. As an alternative or in addition, the first interface 108 has, for example, a radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface. The Bluetooth interface can be, for example, a Bluetooth low energy interface (BLE interface for short).

[0050] The evaluation of the V2X message by the computing unit 106 is intended in particular to detect a dangerous situation for the user of the adapter unit 100 , and the computing unit 106 is configured to generate a warning message with a reference to the dangerous situation when a dangerous situation is detected and to transmit the warning message to the smartphone via the first interface 108 .

[0051] The adapter unit 100 also has a battery 110 which is designed to supply energy to the at least one antenna 102 , 104 and the computing unit 106 .

[0052] Furthermore, the adapter unit 100 has a second interface 112, via which the smartphone can be charged using the battery 110 of the adapter unit 100. For example, the second interface 112 has a USB interface. Alternatively or additionally, the second interface 112 is configured for wireless charging of the smartphone using the battery 110 of the adapter unit 100, for example, inductive charging.

[0053] Furthermore, the adapter unit 100 has a third interface 114, which can be connected to a battery of the electric bicycle for supplying energy to the at least one antenna 102, 104 and the computing unit 106. In this case, the battery 110 of the adapter unit 100 can also be charged by the battery of the electric bicycle via the third interface 114. As an alternative or in addition, the battery 110 of the adapter unit 100 can be charged wirelessly, in particular inductively.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the adapter unit 100 shown, the computing unit 106, the battery 110 and the interfaces 108, 112, 114 are arranged in the base region of the adapter unit 100. However, in alternative embodiments of the adapter unit 100, one or more of these functional units can also be arranged elsewhere. For example, the battery 110 can be arranged in or on the rear side of the adapter unit 100 instead of in the base region. The corresponding situation applies to the computing unit 106 and the interfaces 108, 112, 114.

[0055] The adapter unit 100 also has a holding device for fixing the adapter unit 100 on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle. The holding device is arranged on the rear side of the adapter unit 100. For example, the holding device has a clip, a strap and / or a collar for fixing the adapter unit 100 on the handlebar.

[0056] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an adapter unit 200 for a smartphone 202 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The smartphone 202 is also illustrated.

[0057] The adapter unit 200 has a bracket 204 for fixing the smartphone 202. The bracket 204 is formed, for example, mechanically or magnetically. Figure 2In the embodiment of the adapter unit 200 shown in FIG, the bottom surface of the smartphone 202 can be fixed to the adapter unit 200 via the bracket 204. However, in other embodiments of the adapter unit 200, the longitudinal side surface, top surface or back surface of the smartphone 202 can also be fixed to the adapter unit 200 via the bracket 204.

[0058] The adapter unit 200 has an antenna 205. The antenna 205 is configured to send and receive V2X messages. In other words, the antenna 206 is configured to send and receive radio signals with a frequency within the V2X communication band.

[0059] The adapter unit 200 also has a computing unit 206, which is set up to decode and evaluate the V2X messages received by the antenna 205 and to generate the V2X messages to be sent by the antenna 205. In addition to a processor (CPU, central processing unit), the computing unit 206 also has a working memory (RAM, random access memory) for volatile storage of variables and intermediate results. For example, the processor and the working memory are combined on one integrated circuit. As an alternative, the processor and the working memory can be arranged separately from each other, for example, on different integrated circuits. The computer program for decoding, evaluating and generating V2X messages is executed by the processor.

[0060] The adapter unit 200 also has a first interface 208, which is set up for data transmission between the computing unit 206 and the smartphone 202. For example, the first interface 208 has a USB interface. As an alternative or in addition, the first interface 208 has, for example, a radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface.

[0061] The evaluation of the V2X message by computing unit 206 is intended in particular to detect a dangerous situation for a user of adapter unit 200 , and computing unit 206 is configured to generate a warning message with a reference to the dangerous situation when a dangerous situation is detected and to transmit the warning message to smartphone 202 via first interface 208 .

[0062] The adapter unit 200 also has a battery 210 which is designed to supply energy to the antenna 205 and the computing unit 206 .

[0063] Furthermore, the adapter unit 200 has a second interface 212, via which the smartphone 202 can be charged using the battery 210 of the adapter unit 200. For example, the second interface 212 has a USB interface. Alternatively or additionally, the second interface 212 is configured to wirelessly charge the smartphone 202 using the battery 210 of the adapter unit 200, for example, inductively.

[0064] Furthermore, the adapter unit 200 has a third interface 214, which can be connected to the battery of the electric bicycle for supplying energy to the antenna 205 and the computing unit 206. In this case, the battery 210 of the adapter unit 200 can also be charged by the battery of the electric bicycle via the third interface 214. As an alternative or in addition, the battery 210 of the adapter unit 200 can be charged wirelessly, in particular inductively.

[0065] The adapter unit 200 also has a holding device for fixing the adapter unit 200 on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle. The holding device is arranged on the rear side of the adapter unit 200. For example, the holding device has a clip, a strap and / or a collar for fixing the adapter unit 200 on the handlebar.

[0066] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an adapter unit 300 for a smartphone 202 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The smartphone 202 is also illustrated.

[0067] The adapter unit 300 has an antenna 302. The antenna 302 is configured to send and receive V2X messages. In other words, the antenna 302 is configured to send and receive radio signals with a frequency within the V2X communication band.

[0068] and Figure 1 The adapter unit 100 and Figure 2 The adapter unit 200 shown is different. Figure 3 The adapter unit 300 shown has no form-fitting, force-fitting or magnetic connection to the smartphone 202 , but can be arranged spatially remote from the smartphone 202 .

[0069] The adapter unit 300 also has a computing unit 306, which is set up to decode and evaluate the V2X messages received by the antenna 302 and to generate the V2X messages to be sent by the antenna 302. In addition to a processor (CPU, central processing unit), the computing unit 306 also has a working memory (RAM, random access memory) for volatile storage of variables and intermediate results. For example, the processor and the working memory are combined on an integrated circuit. As an alternative, the processor and the working memory can be arranged separately from each other, for example, respectively on different integrated circuits. The computer program for decoding, evaluating and generating V2X messages is executed by the processor.

[0070] The adapter unit 300 also has a first interface 308 for data transmission between the computing unit 306 and the smartphone 202. For example, the first interface 308 has a USB interface. As an alternative or in addition, the first interface 308 has, for example, a radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface.

[0071] The evaluation of the V2X message by computing unit 306 is intended in particular to detect a dangerous situation for a user of adapter unit 300 , and computing unit 306 is configured to generate a warning message with a reference to the dangerous situation when a dangerous situation is detected and to transmit the warning message to smartphone 202 via first interface 308 .

[0072] The adapter unit 300 also has a battery 310 which is designed to supply energy to the antenna 302 and the computing unit 306 .

[0073] Furthermore, the adapter unit 300 has a second interface 312, via which the smartphone 202 can be charged using the battery 310 of the adapter unit 300. For example, the second interface 312 has a USB interface. Alternatively or additionally, the second interface 312 is configured to wirelessly charge the smartphone 202 using the battery 310 of the adapter unit 300, for example, inductively.

[0074] Furthermore, the adapter unit 300 has a third interface 314, which can be connected to the battery of the electric bicycle for supplying energy to the antenna 302 and the computing unit 306. In this case, the battery 310 of the adapter unit 300 can also be charged by the battery of the electric bicycle via the third interface 314. As an alternative or in addition, the battery 310 of the adapter unit 300 can be charged wirelessly, in particular inductively.

[0075] Reference numerals list

[0076] 100, 200, 300 adapter units

[0077] 101 Groove

[0078] 102, 104, 205, 302 antennas

[0079] 103 Marginal Area

[0080] 106, 206, 306 computing units

[0081] 108, 208, 308 First interface

[0082] 110, 210, 310 batteries

[0083] 112, 212, 312 Second interface

[0084] 114, 214, 314 Third interface

[0085] 202 Smartphone

[0086] 204 Bracket

Claims

1. An adapter unit (100, 200, 300) for a smart phone (202), the adapter unit comprising: - an antenna unit having at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302), the at least one antenna being configured to send and receive V2X messages, a computing unit (106, 206, 306) configured to decode and evaluate V2X messages received by the at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302) and to generate a V2X message to be transmitted by the at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302), - a first interface (108, 208, 308) which is configured for data transmission between the computing unit (106, 206, 306) and the smartphone (202), and - a mechanical and / or magnetic holder (204) for fixing the smartphone (202).

2. An adapter unit (100, 200, 300) for a smart phone (202), the adapter unit comprising: - an antenna unit having at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302), the at least one antenna being configured to send and receive V2X messages, a computing unit (106, 206, 306) configured to decode and evaluate V2X messages received by the at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302) and to generate a V2X message to be transmitted by the at least one antenna (102, 104, 205, 302), - a first interface (108, 208, 308) which is configured for data transmission between the computing unit (106, 206, 306) and the smartphone (202), and - a holding device for fixing the adapter unit (100, 200, 300) on the handlebar of a two-wheeled vehicle.

3. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first interface (108, 208, 308) has a USB interface or a radio interface.

4. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 3, wherein: The first interface (108, 208, 308) has a Bluetooth interface.

5. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a battery (110, 210, 310) which is configured to supply energy to the antenna unit (102, 104, 205, 302) and the computing unit (106, 206, 306).

6. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 5, comprising a second interface (112, 212, 312), via which the smartphone (202) can be charged using the battery (110, 210, 310) of the adapter unit (100, 200, 300).

7. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 6, wherein: The second interface (112, 212, 312) has a USB interface or an interface for wirelessly charging the smartphone (202) using the battery (110, 210, 310) of the adapter unit (100, 200, 300).

8. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 5, wherein the adapter unit has a third interface (114, 214, 314), which can be connected to a battery of the electric bicycle for supplying energy to the antenna unit (102, 104, 205, 302) and the computing unit (106, 206, 306), wherein: The battery (110, 210, 310) of the adapter unit (100, 200, 300) can be charged via the third interface (114, 214, 314) from the battery of the electric bicycle.

9. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 5, wherein: The battery (110, 210, 310) of the adapter unit (100, 200, 300) can be charged wirelessly.

10. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising two antennas (102, 104) which are designed simultaneously for mutually different channels within a frequency band.

11. The adapter unit (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured to evaluate V2X messages by the computing unit (106, 206, 306) in order to identify a dangerous situation for a user of the adapter unit (100, 200, 300), wherein: The computing unit (106, 206, 306) is configured to generate a warning message with information about the dangerous situation when a dangerous situation is detected and to transmit the warning message to the smartphone (202) via the first interface (108, 208, 308).

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