Vehicle key, vehicle and data communication procedures

Abstract

Vehicle key (101) with a first radio interface (108) for communication with a vehicle (109) and with an NFC device (102) with a second radio interface (104) in the form of an NFC interface, wherein communication between the vehicle (109) and the second radio interface (104) can be established and wherein the NFC device (102) can be operated in one of the following operating modes: (a) the NFC device (102) behaves passively, (b) the NFC device (102) behaves like an active read / write device, (c) the NFC device (102) can be operated in a peer-to-peer mode in which an operating mode can be configured by a control unit (113 - 115) of the vehicle (109).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle key, a vehicle comprising a radio interface for communication with such a vehicle key and a method for data communication between a vehicle key and a vehicle. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a transmission method for the contactless exchange of data over short distances. A well-known approach to NFC technology involves a combination of a smart card and a contactless connection technology. It operates in a frequency range of 13.56 MHz and offers a data transfer rate of up to 424 kbit / s with a range of up to approximately 10 centimeters. NFC is standardized by ISO 18092, 21481, ECMA 340, 352, 356, 362, and ETSI TS 102 190. Communication between NFC-enabled devices can be both active-passive and active-active (peer-to-peer). Therefore, NFC can be used in conjunction with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) applications. Furthermore, an approach is known to enable cashless payment and personalized access to a vehicle by means of a multifunctional car key with an integrated credit card. EP 2 048 626 A2 describes a medium-range remote communication and control system for a vehicle using a wireless vehicle telematics unit, a medium-range wireless portable transmitter, and an unmodified wireless personal communication device. The portable transmitter includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bidirectional communication with the telematics unit and a short-range wireless transceiver for bidirectional communication with the personal communication device. The key fob communicates with the vehicle telematics unit in the conventional manner and also relays information between the telematics unit and the personal communication device. Communication can be initiated by the telematics unit or by the operator via the transmitter or a personal communication device.Once communication is established, the handheld transmitter transmits the following: menu options and status information from the telematics unit to the personal communication device; and menu selections from the personal communication device to the telematics unit. The object of the invention is to expand the possibilities of communication with a vehicle on-board network and, in particular, to make them accessible for various application scenarios. This problem is solved according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention also arise from the dependent claims. To solve the problem, a vehicle key is specified - with a first radio interface for communication with a vehicle, - with a second radio interface, - where the second radio interface is an NFC interface. The first radio interface is particularly suitable for enabling access to the vehicle. It is advantageous that the NFC interface of the vehicle can be used as if it were permanently installed in the vehicle. Another advantage is that the functionality of the second radio interface can be easily retrofitted by providing a suitable vehicle key. The NFC interface opens up a multitude of possible application scenarios for electronic data exchange between the vehicle and an external device. The vehicle key can act as a router, transparently connecting the two components—vehicle and external device—via its wireless interfaces. This data exchange can be unidirectional or bidirectional. Alternatively, the vehicle key can communicate independently with the external device (bidirectionally or unidirectionally) and, if necessary, provide information from this communication to the vehicle with a time delay. Similarly, the vehicle key can communicate with the vehicle and temporarily store data, which can then be provided to the external device with a time delay. In other words, the vehicle key can act as an intermediary between the vehicle and the external device, enabling transparent end-to-end communication (e.g.,...)Tunneling) is just as possible as a time-delayed transmission of information (inter)stored in the vehicle key. Further development aims to enable communication between the vehicle and the second radio interface. This allows the vehicle to directly access and use the second radio interface via the first radio interface and the vehicle key. Another development is that the first radio interface is a UHF interface, especially in a range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz. In particular, it is a further development that the second radio interface can be operated in a frequency range of 13.56 MHz. In particular, the second radio interface is a standardized NFC interface. It is also a further development that the second radio interface can be controlled by the vehicle. This can involve read and / or write access, or configuration of the second radio interface or an external component present at the second interface. Furthermore, it is a further development that communication takes place via the second radio interface with an external component. As part of additional training, communication with the external component is reported to the vehicle. In particular, the status, start, progress or end of such communication can be reported to the vehicle. The vehicle, or rather its onboard network, can be informed by the vehicle key as soon as the NFC interface interacts with the external component. Thus, the action of the vehicle key's NFC interface can have an effect on the vehicle; for example, vehicle functions can be accessed in this way. The next development step involves the vehicle communicating with the external component via the first radio interface and via the second radio interface. For example, the external component can be read or written to by the vehicle. One possible configuration is that the external component is either a passive or an active RFID component. In particular, the external component can be an active RFID device or a passive RFID tag. Thus, the vehicle key can also be used as an RFID tag that is activated, written to, read, and / or configured by an active RFID device. In particular, access to the vehicle key as a passive RFID tag, or activation of the vehicle key as a passive RFID tag, can be reported to the vehicle. An alternative embodiment involves the NFC interface being part of an active RFID unit. The active RFID unit can be used to read or write to a passive RFID tag on the vehicle key. Another design option is for the NFC interface to send data to another NFC interface and / or receive data from the other NFC interface. This occurs, for example, in a peer-to-peer mode of the vehicle key. Data exchange or the status of a connection or data exchange with the vehicle key can also be reported to the vehicle. The aforementioned task is also solved by a vehicle comprising a radio interface for communication with the first radio interface of the vehicle key as described herein. Furthermore, the above-mentioned task is solved by a method for data communication between a vehicle key and a vehicle - in which data is transmitted between the vehicle key and the vehicle via a first radio interface; - in which data is transmitted between the second radio interface and the vehicle via the first radio interface via a second radio interface, which is an NFC interface. It should be noted that the aforementioned data transfer can, in principle, be unidirectional or bidirectional. This means, for example, that data can be transferred from the vehicle key to the vehicle and / or from the vehicle to the vehicle key. It is therefore advantageous that the vehicle can transmit data to an external device (or, more generally, any external component involved in the communication) via the combination of the first and second radio interfaces of the vehicle key, and in particular, exchange data with this external device. For example, data transmission can include read or write access (unidirectional or bidirectional). Access can be performed specifically for configuration purposes. The vehicle key can act as a transparent relay, forwarding data between the vehicle and the external device. The vehicle key can also be used as an independent communication partner for the vehicle or the external device, whereby, after successful communication, information can also be forwarded to the other communication partner (external device or vehicle). The above statements apply accordingly to the claimed method. It is also possible to transfer data between an external component and the vehicle key via the second radio interface. Further training consists of the transfer of data between the external component and the vehicle via the second radio interface and the first radio interface of the vehicle key. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained below with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram with a vehicle key that can communicate with a vehicle via a radio interface and that can communicate with an external device via an NFC interface. The present approach proposes integrating an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface into a vehicle key. Alternatively, the NFC interface could be permanently integrated into the vehicle, for example, in the center console. However, this has the disadvantage that retrofitting is complex and the application possibilities are limited compared to a vehicle key with an NFC interface. With a standard key, the vehicle key can be moved close to various RFID tags without much effort and trigger or participate in active or passive near-field communication. The NFC interface of the vehicle key is, in particular, a standardized NFC interface according to one of the currently known or future relevant standards concerning NFC technology. In particular, NFC is based on RFID technology. NFC is also defined by the NFC Forum and is further specified in standards such as ISO 18092, ISO 21481, ECMA 340, ECMS 352, ECMA 356 and ECMA 362. NFC preferably uses a frequency range of 13.56 MHz. Furthermore, RFID technology could use an HF range (from 3 to 30 MHz) and / or a VHF range (30 MHz to 300 MHz) and / or a UHF range (from 300 MHz to 3 GHz). The following standards are also considered important for NFC technology: - the ISO 14443 standard (Proximity Coupling), especially regarding implementation in the vehicle key; - the ISO 15693 standard (Vincinnity Coupling); - the ISO 10536 standard (Close Coupling). Additionally, proprietary systems can also be used in connection with the NFC interface, e.g. MIFARE products or FELICA products. For example, NFC includes a transmission standard based on RFID technology for the contactless exchange of data over short distances. The vehicle key preferably has an additional interface for wireless communication with the vehicle. This could be a radio interface operating in a frequency range of, for example, 868 MHz. This radio interface allows the vehicle's electrical system to connect to the NFC interface of the vehicle key. It should be noted that the vehicle key may, in particular, contain an NFC device with an NFC interface. Besides the NFC interface, the NFC device may include a processing unit and / or memory. The NFC device can be configured to enable active or passive RFID communication. In passive RFID communication, a passive RFID component (also known as an RFID transponder) is activated by a near field generated by the NFC device, and communication with the passive RFID component then takes place based on this activation. In particular, the NFC interface mentioned here can include implementations of an NFC device with an NFC interface and possibly other components such as a processing unit or memory. The solution proposed here is particularly advantageous in that a large number of RFID-based applications become accessible to the vehicle key and especially to the vehicle's on-board network, thus enabling efficient (especially direct) communication with the vehicle's on-board network, either with a time delay or in real time. Integrating the NFC interface into the vehicle key offers an efficient way to retrofit the functionality described here. No complex installation of an NFC interface in the vehicle is necessary; instead, the existing vehicle key can simply be replaced with one that already has an NFC interface. Fig. 1 schematically shows a block diagram with a vehicle key 101 which can communicate with a vehicle 109 via a radio interface 116. The vehicle key 101 includes an NFC device 102 with an NFC interface 104, an NFC processing unit 105, and a memory 106. The NFC interface 104 is controlled via the NFC processing unit 105, and the memory 106 is provided for the NFC processing unit 105. The NFC processing unit 105 is connected to a key electronics unit 107, and the key electronics unit 107 is connected to a radio system 108. The radio system 108 establishes communication with the vehicle 109 via the radio interface 116. It should be noted that the processing unit 105 could also access the radio system 108 directly. However, in Fig. 1, it is assumed by way of example that the radio system 108 is controlled via the key electronics 107. For this purpose, the necessary control functions for the radio system 108 can, for example, be stored in the key electronics 107 and used accordingly by the processing unit 105 of the NFC device 102. Vehicle 109 also includes a radio system 110 for communication with the vehicle key 101 via the radio interface 116. The radio system 110 is connected to an access system 111, and the access system 111 is connected to a bus interface 112. Several control units 113 to 115 are connected to a bus system 118 of vehicle 109. The bus system 118 can be, for example, a CAN bus, a FlexRay bus, or an Ethernet bus system. The control units 113 to 115 can establish a communication connection with the vehicle key 101 and further with the NFC device 102 in the vehicle key 101 via the bus system 118 and the radio system 110. Thus, the vehicle 109, in particular a control unit 113 to 115, can read information from the NFC device when, for example, an RFID tag 103 is held near the NFC interface 104 (i.e., close to the vehicle key 101). In this case, the NFC device 102 can activate the passive RFID tag 103 and read it via a near-field communication interface 117. The read data can be forwarded to the vehicle 109 or to the requesting control unit 113 to 115. Direct communication is therefore established between the RFID tag 103 and the vehicle 109. Accordingly, information can be written from a control unit 113 to 115 to the RFID tag 103 via the NFC device 102 of the vehicle key 101. This can be done directly, i.e., by writing information to the RFID tag 103, or indirectly, via the NFC device 102, which first receives the required information from the vehicle 109 and then (e.g.(with a time delay) writes to the RFID tag 103. It is also possible for an operating mode to be configured in the NFC device 102 by one of the control units 113 to 115. Thus, depending on the application, the NFC device 102 can be configured accordingly by the vehicle 109. In particular, access to the NFC device 102 in the vehicle key 101 can be carried out in one of the following ways: (i) “Tunneling”: The NFC interface 104 can be addressed directly by the vehicle 109 via the radio interface 116, i.e., the control of the NFC device 102 can be carried out entirely by the vehicle 109 or by a control unit 113 to 115 of the vehicle 109. The logic for controlling the NFC device 102 resides in the vehicle 109; the intermediary components of the vehicle key 101 provide the vehicle 109 with the transparent service of communication with the NFC device 102 (tunneling). (ii) The electronics of the vehicle key 101 provide predefined services for using the NFC device 102.These services can be activated wirelessly (via radio systems 108 and 110). Once a service is activated, the vehicle key 101 executes that service and, if necessary, reports a result back to the vehicle 109 via radio interface 116. Thus, the vehicle key 101 provides the vehicle 109 with a functional interface. The logic required to execute the functions is contained within the vehicle key 101 and therefore does not need to be provided by the vehicle 109. The data transmission between the vehicle key 101 and the vehicle access system 111 109 can be packet-oriented, e.g., according to the Internet Protocol (IP) or in another format. In particular, packet-oriented communication can take place up to the control units 113 to 115. It should also be mentioned that communication between the vehicle key and the vehicle does not necessarily have to take place via the access system. There may also be another (radio) interface in the vehicle that communicates (also) with the vehicle key. The NFC device 102 in the vehicle key 101 can be operated in different modes. This allows for various use cases. All operating modes can preferably be controlled and / or configured by the vehicle 109. In particular, the vehicle key 101 can be operated in one of the following operating modes: (a) The NFC device 102 behaves passively (comparable to a passive RFID tag). Thus, the NFC device 102 can be read and / or written by an active NFC / RFID device (with read and / or write functionality). The contents of the NFC device 102 can be programmed or read by the vehicle 109 for this passive application via the radio interface 116. It is also possible for the vehicle 109 to be notified when the NFC device 102 is read or written in passive operating mode. (b) The NFC device 102 behaves like an active read / write device and can therefore read and / or write passive RFID tags 103. The vehicle 109 can access the data read by the NFC device 102 via the radio interface 116 or send the data to be written to the NFC device 102.In particular, it is possible for the vehicle 109 to be notified when the vehicle key 101 is brought within communication range of the passive RFID tag 103 and / or the RFID tag 103 is read. (c) The NFC device 102 can be operated in a peer-to-peer mode and thus communicate with at least one other NFC device (not shown in Fig. 1). Again, communication between the NFC device 102 and the vehicle 109 takes place via the radio interface 116. In particular, it is possible for the vehicle 109 to be notified if peer-to-peer communication between the NFC device 102 and another NFC device is possible and / or has been established. The following are some exemplary use cases based on the architecture described above: (1) Vehicle-wide personalization via the vehicle key is possible. A user can use "their" vehicle key to access different vehicles with services and settings tailored to them. Personalization can be done online, i.e., in direct communication with the vehicle, or offline, e.g., via a central programming unit of the key or an RFID tag without involving a vehicle. Combinations of online and offline personalization are also possible. (2) Efficient electronic payment can be made using the vehicle key presented here. In particular, the vehicle key can be linked to a credit card or a balance for paying small amounts (micropayment).(3) Accordingly, it is possible to purchase electronic tickets (for public transport or events) using the vehicle key. (4) The vehicle key can be used as an access system, e.g., for other vehicles, apartments, hotel rooms, etc. (5) It is also possible to use the vehicle key in conjunction with another device, e.g., a mobile phone, a GPS system, or a computer, to locate the vehicle. The vehicle's position when it is parked can be stored in the vehicle key. The NFC device can transmit this position to the other device via the near-field interface, and the other device displays the position, e.g., on a map. In particular, depending on the current position, a route to the target coordinates, the vehicle's parking location, can be determined and displayed. (6) The vehicle key can be used to pair orConnecting or configuring the key with a mobile phone ("Bluetooth pairing"). The vehicle's electrical system can communicate with an NFC-enabled mobile phone via the near-field interface of the vehicle key and transfer the data relevant for pairing (e.g., Bluetooth address and PIN). The advantage is significantly simplified pairing without complex user interaction.(7) Similarly, data for WLAN configuration can be stored on the vehicle key and used for various devices, including the vehicle itself.(8) The vehicle key presented here allows the implementation of a "Smart Manual," i.e., an electronic operating manual controlled and accessed via RFID tags.(9) Business cards or business card information can also be transferred to the vehicle key and thus into the vehicle.(10) In conjunction with an end device, e.g.,Partial navigation can be performed using a GPS device or a mobile phone by having the vehicle transmit navigation data to the vehicle key, which then forwards this data to the device. This allows, for example, navigation of the remaining route, possibly requiring walking, to be carried out using the device once the vehicle has reached its destination. It is also possible to plan a hike or sightseeing tour in the vehicle, download relevant navigation information, and transfer the planned or downloaded data to the vehicle key. This data can then be transferred from the vehicle key to the (e.g., GPS-enabled) device (via the NFC interface), and further navigation (hike, sightseeing) is carried out using the device. (11) The vehicle key can receive and store any vehicle-specific data.This data can be transmitted via the NFC interface. For example, the vehicle key can contain an electronic service record. Reference symbol list 101 Vehicle key 102 NFC device 103 RFID tag (also: RFID transponder) 104 NFC interface 105 NFC device processing unit 102 106 Memory 107 Key electronics 108 Vehicle key radio system 101 109 Vehicle 110 Vehicle radio system 109 111 Access system 112 Bus interface 113 Control unit 114 Control unit 115 Control unit 116 Radio interface 117 Near field communication interface 118 Bus system

Claims

Vehicle key (101) with a first radio interface (108) for communication with a vehicle (109) and with an NFC device (102) with a second radio interface (104) in the form of an NFC interface, wherein communication between the vehicle (109) and the second radio interface (104) can be established and wherein the NFC device (102) can be operated in one of the following operating modes: (a) the NFC device (102) behaves passively, (b) the NFC device (102) behaves like an active read / write device, (c) the NFC device (102) can be operated in a peer-to-peer mode in which an operating mode can be configured by a control unit (113 - 115) of the vehicle (109). Vehicle key (101) according to claim 1, wherein communication takes place via the second radio interface (104) with an external component (103) and a status, a start, a progress and / or an end of such communication is reported to the vehicle (109). Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured to notify the vehicle (109) when the NFC device (102) is read or written in passive operating mode (a). Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured to notify the vehicle (109) when the NFC device (102) in operating mode (b) is brought within communication range of a passive RFID tag (103) and / or reads a passive RFID tag (103). Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured to notify the vehicle (109) if, in operating mode (c), peer-to-peer communication between the NFC device (102) and another NFC device is possible and / or has been established. Vehicle key (101) according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle key (101) communicates independently with the external component (103). Vehicle key (101) according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle key (101) provides information from this communication to the vehicle (109) at a later time. Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is equipped for electronic payment, in particular micropayments. Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured as an access system for other vehicles, apartments and / or hotel rooms. Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured to locate the vehicle (109) in conjunction with another device, in particular a mobile phone, a GPS system or a computer. Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured to perform pairing or configuration with a mobile phone, in particular Bluetooth pairing. Vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle key (101) is configured to contain an electronic service booklet or to implement an electronic operating manual which is controllable by RFID tags. Vehicle (109) comprising a radio interface (110) for communication with the first radio interface (108) of the vehicle key (101) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for data communication between a vehicle key (101) with an NFC device (102) and a vehicle (109), in which data is transmitted between the vehicle key (101) and the vehicle (109) via a first radio interface (108);- in which data is transmitted between the second radio interface (104) and the vehicle (109) via the first radio interface (108) via a second radio interface (104), which is an NFC interface; - in which data is transmitted between an external component (103) and the vehicle (109) via the second radio interface (104) and via the first radio interface (108) of the vehicle key (101); - in which the NFC device (102) is optionally operated such that (a) the NFC device (102) behaves passively, (b) the NFC device (102) behaves like an active read / write device, or (c) the NFC device (102) is operated in a peer-to-peer mode, and in which an operating mode can be configured by a control unit (113 - 115) of the vehicle (109).

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