Communication between mobile devices

Abstract

Method for communication between a first and a second mobile device, in which - the first mobile device is a mobile device of a vehicle; - the second mobile device is a mobile phone; - the first mobile device directly receives a signal emitted by the second mobile device when it comes close to the second device; - depending on the signal received from the vehicle, a predetermined action is carried out, - a client application runs on the second mobile device, which sends the signal as a broadcast message to the first mobile devices in the vicinity, - the vehicle has a control unit on which a host application runs, which performs the specified action depending on the received signal, - a communication connection is established between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as a result of the received signal and - the host application is configured so that a vehicle speed can be set up to which a notification or warning regarding other road users is given.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for communication between mobile devices as well as corresponding mobile devices or a vehicle with such a mobile device.

[0002] It is known that mobile phones provide applications such as GPS navigation or a (magnetic) compass. For this purpose, mobile phones have the necessary sensors. There are also mobile phones that include additional sensors, such as orientation or rotation sensors.

[0003] Mobile phones or other mobile devices (e.g., so-called smartphones) often have multiple communication interfaces (e.g., infrared, Bluetooth, WLAN, GSM, and / or UMTS interfaces).

[0004] DE 10 2008 035 942 A1 discloses a method for detecting another road user by using the radar waves of a radar sensor to activate a transmitter carried by the other road user. The other road user's transmitter sends a feedback signal to the vehicle, which uniquely identifies the road user and also contains metadata about the road user.

[0005] DE 103 34 203 A1 discloses an interactive traffic management system in which the location and movement data of various road users are coordinated for the purpose of accident prevention. To significantly improve the prevention of traffic accidents, it is proposed that at least two road users, within an adjustable range of each other, are automatically informed of each other's current movement through direct intercommunication.

[0006] DE 103 52 952 A1 discloses a device for detecting a moving or stationary object provided with at least one marking by means of a detection device arranged in a motor vehicle, wherein the marking has a transmitter giving a radio signal and the detection device has a receiver that detects this signal and communicates with a processing device that evaluates the signal, via which one or more vehicle-side third-party objects can be controlled depending on the information content of the signal.

[0007] DE 102 53 192 A1 discloses a mobile collision warning system that can be carried, for example, by motor vehicles, pedestrians, and / or cyclists. The collision warning system includes a positioning unit, such as a GPS receiver, and continuously transmits its current spatial position via a transmitter. Similarly, it can receive position information transmitted in a similar manner by other collision warning systems using a receiver. Based on this position information, a control unit calculates the risk of a collision. An impending collision can be countered by various measures, in particular by displaying a visual and / or audible warning on a screen or by activating an actuator that intervenes in the vehicle's control system. Furthermore, it is possible to record the processed information in a tachograph.

[0008] DE 10 2008 060 231 A1 discloses C2X communication efficiently enabled via WLAN by devices and a method for filtering data frames received by a receiver on a vehicle via a WLAN connection, whereby a decision is made, based on a frame type specified in a received data frame, as to which device the data of the data frame is transmitted. C2X communication can be used for pedestrian detection. Multiple transmission paths and / or UDP can also be used.

[0009] The object of the invention is to use a mobile device to improve road safety.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention also arise from the dependent claims.

[0011] To solve the problem, a method for communication between a first and a second mobile device is specified, in which - the first mobile device is a mobile device of a vehicle; - the second mobile device is a mobile phone; - the first mobile device receives a signal transmitted by the second mobile device when it comes close to the second device; - depending on the signal received from the vehicle, a predetermined action is carried out, - a client application runs on the second mobile device, which sends the signal, in particular as a broadcast message, to the first mobile devices in the vicinity, - the vehicle has a control unit on which a host application runs, which performs the specified action depending on the received signal, - a communication connection is established between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as a result of the received signal and - the host application is configured so that a vehicle speed can be set up to which a notification or warning regarding other road users is given.

[0012] This makes it possible for a vehicle driver to be informed that other mobile devices, especially road users such as pedestrians, are in close proximity. This allows the driver to adjust their driving accordingly.

[0013] It should be noted that the first mobile device can receive multiple signals from multiple second mobile devices, and the specified action can be executed depending on these multiple received signals.

[0014] One option is for the second mobile device (e.g., a client application on the second mobile device) to have a sleep mode and wait in sleep mode for a wake-up signal from the first mobile device (e.g., a host application). Upon receiving the wake-up signal, the second mobile device can transmit the signal (or information) to the first mobile device. This advantageously reduces the energy consumption of the second mobile device.

[0015] Optionally, a predefined action can also be triggered on or from the second mobile device.

[0016] Further development involves the signal being sent from the second terminal and received directly by the first terminal.

[0017] In particular, the transmission of the signal from the second to the first terminal device can therefore take place directly (from device to device) without a detour via a mobile network.

[0018] Another development is that the first mobile device receives the signal as soon as it enters a reception range of the second mobile device.

[0019] In particular, the second mobile device can act as a sender and the first mobile device as a receiver.

[0020] The host application can be a program or a program component that runs on the vehicle's control unit and can process and evaluate signals from multiple secondary mobile devices. Depending on the signals from the secondary mobile devices and, if applicable, on the vehicle's own state (e.g., position), the host application can perform certain predefined actions.

[0021] It is also a further development that the host application performs the specified action if a context condition is met.

[0022] Thus, a contextual condition can be used to create a prerequisite for monitoring the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is traveling at high speed on a country road or highway, signals from other mobile devices can still be received, but the specified actions will preferably not be carried out in this case.

[0023] In particular, it is possible to take into account road users behind the vehicle when reverse gear is engaged. This allows for an evaluation of road users traveling in the direction of travel, and, for example, the detection of children playing behind the vehicle, enabling the appropriate action to be taken.

[0024] Furthermore, joggers on a country road can be detected, for example. The country road can be identified by the navigation system and / or based on the vehicle's current speed.

[0025] Furthermore, it is a further development requirement that the context condition includes at least one of the following conditions: - the vehicle is traveling slower than a specified speed; - the vehicle travels within a predetermined speed range; - the vehicle is located in a traffic-calmed area, in particular a town or village and / or a play street.

[0026] Thus, it is possible that, depending on the vehicle's location information or its condition, the host application is activated in such a way that the signals from the second mobile device are evaluated and predefined actions are initiated or executed based on these signals.

[0027] As part of additional training, the prescribed action includes at least one of the following actions: - Output of an acoustic, haptic or visual cue; - Issuance of an audible, haptic or visual warning; - Initiation and / or execution of a braking process of the vehicle.

[0028] The notification could be, for example, a message or information that is issued or displayed to the driver of the vehicle.

[0029] It should be noted that an audible signal or voice message can be emitted. On a display, instructions or warnings can be visually distinguished, for example, by different colors. It is also possible for the positions of road users linked to the second mobile device to be entered into a map of the surroundings (e.g., a navigation system). Haptic feedback to the driver can be provided, for example, by a vibrating steering wheel. The initiation and / or execution of a braking maneuver can be based on other input variables that the vehicle can detect, such as a pedestrian detected by the vehicle's front camera.

[0030] The next step in the process is for the second mobile device to transmit at least one of the following pieces of information: - a type of road user; - location information, especially GPS data; - Sensor information; - a movement and / or a direction of movement.

[0031] This information can be transmitted as signals or along with the signal from the second mobile device to the first. Alternatively, based on a communication link between the first and second mobile devices, the first mobile device can request a portion of the information. Furthermore, the first mobile device can instruct the second mobile device to transmit any updated information cyclically, for example, every 5 seconds. Or, the second mobile device can be configured, for example, via the first mobile device, to transmit the information only if it has changed by more than a predefined threshold.

[0032] Additionally, other mobile devices can transfer their data to the second mobile device, so that the first mobile device receives data from more distant devices that are not within the direct reception range of the first mobile device.

[0033] One implementation involves evaluating the information from the first mobile device and carrying out the specified action depending on the evaluated information.

[0034] In particular, information can be exchanged based on the communication connection. It is also possible for the first mobile device to request the transfer of information from the second mobile device.

[0035] It should be noted that the client application on the second mobile device can be a (largely) autonomous application. User interaction is not required. The client application can be configured before its initial launch with the type of road user (e.g., pedestrian, child, wheelchair user). The type can also be changed by a user if, for example, the pedestrian is using a bicycle or vice versa. The other functions of the second mobile device remain (largely) unaffected by the client application.

[0036] In particular, one option is for parents to equip their children's mobile phones with the client application and set the user type to "Child." This allows the client application, potentially using GPS data or information about the child's agility, to inform host applications in the child's vicinity about the child's location (e.g., relative to the road) and their direction and speed. This information can then be analyzed by the host application, which can signal to the driver that a child is nearby or moving toward the road ahead. The driver can then adjust their driving in time to prevent a dangerous situation from arising in the first place.

[0037] Another possibility is that a jogger sets the client application of their mobile device to "Fast pedestrian" and can thus be detected on rural roads (even at dusk and / or at night) by the host application, especially the vehicle. A predefined action can then be carried out accordingly.

[0038] The switch to "Fast Pedestrian" mode can also be performed automatically using sensors present in the mobile device (e.g. step frequency detection via accelerometers or speed estimation via GPS positions) if the road user with the mobile device is moving faster than a specified speed.

[0039] It is also possible for the second mobile device to be a mobile phone.

[0040] Generally, the second mobile device can be any transmitter that emits the signal. For example, the second mobile device could be a heart rate monitor with a communication unit.

[0041] It is a configuration where the vehicle's mobile device is a mobile device within the vehicle.

[0042] The aforementioned task is also solved by means of a vehicle comprising a first mobile terminal which is set up in such a way that the procedure as described herein can be carried out.

[0043] In particular, the vehicle may have a control unit designed to enable the steps of the procedure to be carried out accordingly. The vehicle's control unit may be implemented as a central control unit or distributed throughout the vehicle in the form of several sub-control units, e.g., different control units.

[0044] The mobile device, which includes a client application, can be configured in particular to send a signal, especially as a broadcast message, - which is receivable by a vehicle's mobile device as soon as it comes close to the mobile device; - whereby a predetermined action can be performed depending on the signal received from the vehicle.

[0045] Further training consists of the mobile device being a mobile phone or a mobile transmitter.

[0046] The broadcast message can be sent directly from the mobile device via various communication interfaces, e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, GSM, GPRS, etc.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are presented and explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0048] They show: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of communication between a client application and a host application to increase traffic safety; Fig. 2 An exemplary state transition diagram to illustrate a possible implementation of the approach presented here.

[0049] The following are two examples of applications for two mobile devices. Similarly, multiple applications can be used for multiple mobile devices. These mobile devices can be, for example, mobile phones or devices with cellular interfaces. However, other wireless communication interfaces can also be used in addition to or instead of cellular interfaces. For example, a vehicle can also have such an application, whereby the vehicle itself has at least one of its own communication interfaces or is connected to a mobile device via a wired or wireless interface. In this case, the mobile device and the vehicle can exchange data as if the vehicle itself had its own communication interface.

[0050] The applications mentioned as examples comprise a host application and a client application. The host application runs on the vehicle's mobile device (e.g., a vehicle control unit with at least one mobile communication interface) or on the mobile device of a driver of any vehicle. The vehicle can be a motorized vehicle, such as a car, or any human-powered vehicle. The client application runs on the mobile device of a pedestrian or any other road user. In particular, the client application can be installed and run on the mobile phones of joggers and children without requiring any further interaction from the users, such as the children. For example, the client application runs on the mobile devices of road users who need to be protected in traffic.

[0051] The host application monitors all or some of the available wireless communication interfaces (e.g., WLAN) or communication channels. It thus detects a broadcast signal from at least one client application. The host application and the client application establish a communication connection (e.g., an ad-hoc connection), and the client application can register with the host application. After registration, the client application can provide information to the host application, and / or the host application can determine the distance to the mobile devices. For example, the host application can notify a driver of a motor vehicle that a road user, such as a pedestrian or a child playing, is in the vicinity. It is also possible for the driver to be informed, for example, via a map view, about the direction and distance of the road user.

[0052] It should be noted that the host application can also register with the client application. Furthermore, it is possible for the distance to the mobile devices, e.g., from each mobile device, to be transmitted to the host application.

[0053] The notification can be given, for example, acoustically, haptically, and / or visually. For instance, the notification can be issued via a hands-free device connected via a Bluetooth interface.

[0054] The driver can adjust his driving behavior according to the warning.

[0055] The information provided by the client application may include, in particular: - A type of road user; for example, the client application can provide information such as whether the road user is a child, a pensioner, a wheelchair user, a cyclist, a jogger, etc.; - GPS information: current GPS data and, if applicable, a history of previous GPS data can be provided as information, so that the movement of the road user (the mobile device with the client application) can be determined and / or predicted; - The agility of the road user includes, for example, changes in speed and / or position of the road user over time; such information can be determined, for example, by means of a GPS sensor and / or a motion sensor (compass, rotation sensor) of the mobile device on which the client application runs.

[0056] Depending on the information provided, the host application can perform various analyses. For example, it can analyze position data (GPS data) from the client application or provide pre-processed data (e.g., agility data) from the client application. Depending on the specific conditions of the information provided and the analyses performed, the host application can issue visual and / or audible alerts or warnings to the driver. If, based on the incoming information, a child is detected moving towards the vehicle, the driver can receive an audible alert (a beep or voice output, e.g., "Caution: Children playing"). It is also possible to display multiple road users with mobile devices on an overview map showing the vehicle's immediate surroundings.Road users who are closer than a specified distance to the vehicle or moving towards it can be displayed in a different color on the overview map than those who are further away from the vehicle or moving away from it. For example, road users can be classified differently by the host application in this way; potentially more vulnerable road users can thus be represented as red dots on the overview map, while less vulnerable road users can be. For example, a road user type "adult pedestrian" can be provided by the client application, and the road user's position can be evaluated to show that the road user is moving steadily and essentially parallel to the roadway, for example, on the sidewalk. Such a road user could, for example,green or yellow are shown on the overview map because a sudden change of direction onto the roadway by an approaching vehicle seems less likely than an erratic movement by a road user of the "child" type in the immediate vicinity of the roadway.

[0057] The notification or evaluation of information provided by the client application can also depend on additional contextual information (also referred to as "contextual conditions"). For example, a navigation system can provide such contextual information to the vehicle's host application. This allows it to recognize, for instance, a play street or a traffic-calmed zone. The vehicle can also use traffic sign recognition to identify areas with potentially high risks to pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, playing children, etc. (automatic detection of a traffic-calmed zone, a play street, a town boundary, a residential area, a 30 km / h zone, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the contextual information can relate to the vehicle's speed and be taken into account accordingly.

[0058] Contextual information can be used to activate and / or deactivate the host application. In particular, different contextual information can be linked; for example, if the vehicle is traveling slower than 60 km / h or if the vehicle enters an area with a potentially high risk to other road users, then the host application will be activated.

[0059] It should be noted that context information can be exchanged between the host application and the client application. The information and / or warning can also be displayed in the client application (visually, audibly, and / or haptically).

[0060] The host application can provide different levels of alerts or warnings. For example, road users can be displayed in different colors on an overview map. Instead of the overview map, a schematic and / or textual representation of the road users can be displayed (e.g., "Several children ahead"). Furthermore, it is possible for an additional audible warning (e.g., a beep) to be issued when a road user suddenly approaches. Preferably, during the issuance of an audible warning (or alert), the volume of any additional active audio output (e.g., radio, CD, MP3 player) is reduced or temporarily muted. It is also possible for a hazardous situation (e.g., pedestrian entering the roadway in front of the vehicle) to be detected and for the vehicle to be pre-charged with braking (e.g.,The vehicle can initiate or perform braking itself (by applying the brake pads and shortening the brake pedal travel), or it can initiate or perform braking on its own (automatic emergency braking). The autonomous braking process can be initiated or performed depending on a combination of a signal from an additional sensor, such as a camera that detects the road user in front of the vehicle.

[0061] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of communication between a client application and a host application to increase traffic safety.

[0062] A vehicle comprises a control unit with a host application. The vehicle travels along road 104, following route 105, from position 101 to position 102. At position 101, the vehicle does not yet receive a signal from a client application. However, at position 102, the vehicle receives signals from a client application on a mobile phone belonging to a pedestrian 103. The client application registers with the host application and may provide the host application with information (e.g., type, GPS data, etc.). The driver of the vehicle can then be warned by the host application that the pedestrian 103 is in the vicinity (especially along the route) of the vehicle.

[0063] The host application is configured so that a vehicle speed threshold can be set, up to which a notification or warning regarding other road users is issued. The host application can also be dynamically adapted based on sensor data from the vehicle, such as GPS data from the navigation system (e.g., recognizing a location or a residential street).

[0064] It is also possible for the host application to detect multiple road users. Preferably, a notification or warning is issued only once (possibly referring to the nearest road user or in the form of a general warning, e.g., "Caution, pedestrians ahead" or "Caution, 7 pedestrians ahead"). After a predetermined period or if the situation changes (e.g., a pedestrian enters the roadway in front of the vehicle), the notification or warning can be issued again or in a modified form. In particular, the notification or warning can be updated as soon as the host application detects a change in the road users (e.g., another road user has entered the area or a road user has left the area of ​​potential hazard).

[0065] Due to the higher speeds on rural roads, the information could be retransmitted earlier.

[0066] The warning can be repeated, especially adaptively depending on the vehicle's speed. This prevents the driver from becoming accustomed to the warning and speeding up again even though, for example, pedestrians or playing children are still nearby. For instance, the warning can be repeated (or a modified version) if the driver increases their speed (e.g., "Warning, pedestrians in close proximity!").

[0067] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary state transition diagram to illustrate a possible implementation of the approach presented here.

[0068] In state 201, the host application is inactive. A transition from state 204 to state 202, in which the host application is active (e.g., in receive mode), occurs, for example, when a predefined area is reached (city, country road, parking lot, traffic-calmed area, play street, 30 km / h zone, parking garage, etc.) and / or when a predefined speed is undershot (e.g., when the vehicle reaches a predefined speed range or when the vehicle is traveling slower than 60 km / h). Combinations are also possible; for example, a navigation system can detect that the vehicle is still on the highway despite a current speed of 50 km / h. In this case, the state transition 204 can be omitted. It should be noted that the host application can also receive signals from client applications in state 201, but preferably discards or ignores them.

[0069] A state transition 205 from state 202 to state 203 occurs when the host application receives a signal from a client application. The host application can also receive multiple signals from multiple client applications. It is also possible that the signal contains information and / or that a connection can be established between the host and client applications based on the signal, allowing information to be transmitted over this connection. In state 203, the host application evaluates the received signal or information and performs or initiates a predefined action. For example, the host application can issue a warning and / or a notification to the vehicle's driver.

[0070] An arrow 207 indicates that the host application will remain in state 203 if another signal (or correspondingly at least one more piece of information) is received from at least one client application.

[0071] A state transition 206 from state 203 to state 202 occurs during a so-called timeout, when a predefined time period elapses during which no signal has been received from the client application. Optionally, this can also be used to notify the driver, for example, that no other road users could be detected in the vicinity at this time.

[0072] A change of state from state 203 to state 201 occurs when the host application is deactivated, for example, when leaving the predefined area and / or exceeding the predefined speed. Thus, the driver will no longer be warned by the host application when leaving a town or village. This can be indicated to the driver symbolically by a display showing "Host application inactive" or "Host application in standby".

[0073] The approach proposed here enables the driver of a vehicle to adapt to the other road users in their surroundings in a timely manner. The driver can adjust their driving behavior accordingly and prevent dangerous situations from arising.

[0074] This effectively increases road safety. In particular, parents can download the client application to their children's mobile phones; the client application can run in the background without user input. The mobile phone can still be used as usual; in addition, it increases the safety of the child in traffic or a jogger on a country road.

Claims

[1] Method for communication between a first and a second mobile device, in which - the first mobile device is a mobile device of a vehicle; - the second mobile device is a mobile phone; - the first mobile device directly receives a signal emitted by the second mobile device when it comes close to the second device; - depending on the signal received from the vehicle, a predetermined action is carried out, - a client application runs on the second mobile device, which sends the signal as a broadcast message to the first mobile devices in the vicinity, - the vehicle has a control unit on which a host application runs, which performs the specified action depending on the received signal, - a communication connection is established between the first mobile device and the second mobile device as a result of the received signal and - the host application is configured so that a vehicle speed can be set up to which a notification or warning regarding other road users is given. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the client application of the second mobile device has a sleep mode, in which the sleep mode waits for a wake-up signal from the host application of the first mobile device and, upon receiving the wake-up signal, the second mobile device transmits the signal to the first mobile device. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first mobile device receives the signal as soon as it reaches a reception range of the second mobile device. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the client application registers with the host application after establishing the communication connection and provides information to the host application after registration and / or the host application determines a distance to the second mobile terminal. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the host application performs the specified action if a context condition is met. [6] The method of claim 5, wherein the context condition comprises at least one of the following conditions: - the vehicle is traveling slower than a specified speed; - the vehicle travels within a predetermined speed range; - the vehicle is located in a traffic-calmed area. [7] A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the specified action comprises at least one of the following actions: - Output of an acoustic, haptic or visual cue; - Issuance of an audible, haptic or visual warning; - Initiation and / or execution of a braking process of the vehicle. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second mobile terminal transmits information about a type of road user. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the client application is configured with the type of road user. [10] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second mobile terminal transmits at least one of the following information: - a location information; - Sensor information; - a movement; and / or - a direction of movement. [11] Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the information from the first mobile device is evaluated and the specified action is carried out depending on the evaluated information. [12] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle's mobile terminal is a mobile terminal in the vehicle. [13] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the context condition that the vehicle is in a traffic-calmed area comprises that the vehicle is in a traffic-calmed area in the form of a town and / or a play street. [14] Vehicle comprising a first mobile terminal set up such that the method according to one of the preceding claims is feasible.

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