Systems and methods for vehicle detection using a mobile device

Abstract

Method (400, 500) comprising: Establishing a wireless communication session via a remote server (120) with a user's (102) mobile device (100) and a vehicle control unit (112) with which a vehicle (110) is equipped; Receiving at the remote server (120) a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted by the mobile device (100), which define activation periods during which a vehicle light (114) of the vehicle (110) is to be activated, alternating with deactivation periods during which the vehicle light (114) is to be deactivated; and controlling the vehicle light (114) via the remote server (120) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is being received at the remote server (120).wherein the control of the vehicle light (114) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals comprises: continuous transmission (550) by means of the remote server (120) of activation signals to the vehicle control unit (112) to activate the vehicle light (114) during each of the activation periods (425, 565), and omission by means of the remote server (120) of the transmission of the activation signals to the vehicle control unit (112) to deactivate the vehicle light (114) during each of the deactivation periods (430, 570), wherein each of the activation periods and the deactivation periods is modifiable by means of a press period during which the user (102) presses an input element (104) of the mobile device (100) (420, 545), and a release period during which the user (102) releases the input element (104) of the mobile device (100). Device (100) releases (420, 545),by means of a predetermined vehicle light activation pattern defined by the sequence of vehicle light control signals, selected by the user (102), or by means of beats per minute (BPM) of a song currently playing on the mobile device (100).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for vehicle detection and, more particularly, to systems and methods for vehicle detection using a mobile device in communication with a vehicle. Background of the invention

[0002] Many vehicle owners have, at some point, experienced difficulty locating their parked vehicle among several vehicles in a large parking lot, parking garage, or the like. Similarly, with the increasing popularity of ride-sharing companies such as Uber™, Lyft™, and others, it is often difficult for a customer to locate a vehicle designated to pick them up, especially in congested areas. These vehicles often lack special markings, causing them to blend in with other vehicles. This problem is exacerbated when a ride-sharing company uses a fleet of identical vehicles, making the prospect of locating the customer's assigned vehicle even more difficult. Explanation of the invention

[0003] The present invention / disclosure provides techniques for enhancing a user's ability (e.g., capability) to recognize a vehicle using a mobile device (e.g., mobile device, cell phone, smartphone) in communication with a control unit of a vehicle. One or more lights (e.g., light sources, lamps, luminaires) of the vehicle may be activated or deactivated in synchronization with a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted from a user's mobile device. During the transmission of the vehicle light control signal sequence, activation and deactivation of the vehicle lights may be correspondingly controlled in real time. For example, a user may generate a sequence of touch input pulses at (e.g., on) the mobile device, and the vehicle light(s) may be controlled to blink (e.g., flash) in synchronization with the user's touch input.The vehicle light control signal sequence may also be generated at (e.g., on) the mobile device based on predetermined patterns or the beats per minute (BPM) of a song being played at (e.g., on) the mobile device. Furthermore, tactile (e.g., tangible, haptic, palpable) feedback may be provided (e.g., transmitted, transmitted) to the mobile device to further assist the user in locating (e.g., finding, locating, or locating) the vehicle.

[0004] According to embodiments of the present disclosure / invention, a method comprises: establishing, by means of a remote server (e.g., remote server), a wireless communication session with a mobile device of a user and a vehicle control unit equipped with a vehicle, receiving, at (e.g., at) the remote server, a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted from the mobile device that define activation periods during which a vehicle light of the vehicle is to be activated, alternating (e.g., alternately) with deactivation periods during which the vehicle light is to be deactivated, and controlling, by means of the remote server, the vehicle light in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is received at (e.g., at) the remote server.Controlling the vehicle light in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals comprises: continuously transmitting, by means of the remote server, activation signals to the vehicle control unit to activate the vehicle light during each of the activation periods, and omitting, by means of the remote server, transmitting the activation signals to the vehicle control unit to deactivate the vehicle light during each of the deactivation periods.

[0005] The remote server can activate and deactivate the vehicle lights in accordance with a vehicle light activation pattern defined by the sequence of vehicle light control signals. Likewise, the length (e.g., duration, time period) of the activation periods or deactivation periods can be variable (e.g., changeable, different) over the course (e.g., during) the sequence of vehicle light control signals.

[0006] The vehicle light control signal sequence may be generated by means of a user input from the user. For example, the activation periods may be defined as periods during which the user presses (e.g., actuates) an input element of the mobile device, and the deactivation periods may be defined as periods during which the user releases the input element of the mobile device. The input element may be a key (e.g., a switch, a button) of the mobile device or a key (e.g., a switch, a button) displayed (e.g., presented) on (e.g., a touch-sensitive display of the mobile device.

[0007] Alternatively, the sequence of vehicle light control signals may be selected by the user from a plurality of predetermined sequences of vehicle light control signals. For example, the vehicle light activation signals may be transmitted to the remote server from the mobile device according to (e.g., in dependence on) a vehicle light activation pattern defined by the user-selected (e.g., user-selected) predetermined sequence of vehicle light control signals.

[0008] Alternatively, the sequence of vehicle light control signals is defined according to (e.g., in dependence on) the beats per minute (BPM) of a song currently being played (e.g., on) the mobile device. For example, the vehicle light activation signals may be transmitted to the remote server from the mobile device according to (e.g., in dependence on) a vehicle light activation pattern defined by the beats per minute (BPM) of the currently being played (e.g., on) the song.

[0009] The vehicle may be a ride-sharing vehicle that provides transportation (e.g., transportation) to the user in response to a request from the user for a ride using a ride-sharing service.

[0010] The method may further comprise controlling, by means of the remote server, tactile (e.g., tangible, haptic, palpable) feedback of the mobile device according to (e.g., in dependence on) a distance (e.g., distance) between the mobile device and the vehicle or according to (e.g., in dependence on) an orientation (e.g., orientation) of the mobile device with respect to the vehicle. In this regard, controlling the provision (e.g., transmitting, transmitting) of tactile feedback may comprise causing (e.g., causing) by means of the remote server the tactile feedback of the mobile device to increase in intensity (e.g., strength) as the distance between the mobile device and the vehicle decreases. Controlling the provision of tactile feedback may also comprise controlling, by means of the remote server, a length (e.g., duration, time period) of tactile feedback pulses of the mobile device according to (e.g., in dependence on) the orientation (e.g.,Orientation) of the mobile device with respect to the vehicle.

[0011] The wireless communication session between the mobile device and the vehicle control unit can be established via a mobile network (e.g., cellular network) or via Bluetooth.

[0012] The method may further comprise: receiving at (e.g., at) the remote server position information from the vehicle control unit indicating a position of the vehicle, calculating by the remote server a position or a speed of the vehicle based on the received position information, determining by the remote server whether the calculated position or the calculated speed satisfies a predetermined threshold (e.g., satisfies a predetermined threshold), and controlling by the remote server the vehicle light in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals when it is determined that the predetermined threshold is / is satisfied (e.g., that the predetermined threshold is / is satisfied).

[0013] Furthermore, a system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure / invention comprises: a vehicle having a vehicle control unit provided therein (e.g., equipped therewith), a mobile device of a user, and a remote server operable (e.g., operable, functional) to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device and the vehicle control unit. The remote server is configured to: establish a wireless communication session with the mobile device and the vehicle control unit, receive a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted from the mobile device, which alternate activation periods during which a vehicle light of the vehicle is to be activated (e.g.,alternating) with deactivation periods during which the vehicle light is to be deactivated, and controlling the vehicle light in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is received at (e.g., at) the remote server. Controlling the vehicle light in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals comprises: continuously transmitting, by means of the remote server, activation signals to the vehicle control unit to activate the vehicle light during each of the activation periods, and omitting, by means of the remote server, transmitting the activation signals to the vehicle control unit to deactivate the vehicle light during each of the deactivation periods.

[0014] Furthermore, a method according to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure comprises: establishing, by means of a remote server (e.g., remote server), a wireless communication session with a mobile device of a user and a vehicle control unit with which a vehicle is equipped, receiving, at (e.g., at) the remote server, position information of the mobile device and position information of the vehicle, calculating, by means of the remote server, a distance (e.g., a distance) between the mobile device and the vehicle or an orientation (e.g., alignment) of the mobile device with respect to the vehicle according to (e.g., in dependence on) the position information of the mobile device and the position information of the vehicle, and controlling, by means of the remote server, tactile (e.g., tangible, haptic, palpable) feedback of the mobile device according to (e.g.,depending on) the calculated distance between the mobile device and the vehicle or according to (e.g. depending on) the calculated orientation (e.g. orientation) of the mobile device with respect to the vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, a system according to embodiments of the present disclosure / invention comprises: a vehicle having a vehicle control unit provided therein (e.g., equipped therewith), a mobile device of a user, and a remote server operable (e.g., operable, functional) to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device and the vehicle control unit. The remote server is configured to: establish a wireless communication session with the mobile device and the vehicle control unit, receive position information of the mobile device and position information of the vehicle, calculate a distance (e.g., a distance) between the mobile device and the vehicle or an orientation of the mobile device with respect to the vehicle according to (e.g., depending on) the position information of the mobile device and the position information of the vehicle, and provide tactile (e.g.,tactile, haptic, tangible) feedback of the mobile device according to (e.g., depending on) the calculated distance (e.g., the distance) between the mobile device and the vehicle or according to (e.g., depending on) the calculated orientation (e.g., orientation) of the mobile device with respect to the vehicle. Character list

[0016] The embodiments herein may be better understood by reference to the following description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or functionally similar elements, of which: Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication session between a mobile device and a vehicle control unit of a vehicle, Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of vehicle light control signals generated by touch input on (e.g., at) a mobile device, Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the activation and deactivation of a vehicle light in synchronization with an exemplary sequence of vehicle light control signals, Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary simplified method for controlling a light of a vehicle owned by the user in synchronization with a sequence of vehicle light control signals generated at (e.g., at) a mobile device, Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary simplified method for controlling a light of a ride-sharing vehicle providing transportation (e.g., conveyance) to the user in synchronization with a sequence of vehicle light control signals generated at a mobile device, and Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are diagrams illustrating exemplary schemes for controlling tactile feedback of a mobile device to assist the user in locating a vehicle.

[0017] It should be understood that the above-referenced drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the disclosure / invention. The specific design features of the present disclosure / invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be dictated in part by the particular intended application and usage environment. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention / disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways, all without departing from the scope of the present invention / disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure / invention. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the," "which," as used herein, are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the terms "comprising" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, acts, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term "and / or," as used herein, includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated elements.

[0020] It is to be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-..." or any similar term used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles, including so-called sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, numerous commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels produced from resources other than petroleum). A so-called hybrid vehicle, as referred to herein, is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, e.g., vehicles that run on both gasoline and electricity.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more of the methods below, or aspects thereof, may be performed by at least one control unit (or vehicle control unit, e.g., an electronic control unit (ECU) with which a vehicle is equipped). The term “control unit” may refer to a handheld device comprising a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the processor is specifically programmed to execute the program instructions to perform one or more methods described further below. Furthermore, it should be understood that the methods below may be performed by a device comprising the control unit together with one or more other components, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit of the present disclosure / invention may be embodied as a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, a control unit, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, storage drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed through a computer network such that the program instructions are stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g., through a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0023] Referring now to embodiments of the present disclosure / invention, the disclosed techniques allow a user to generate a sequence of vehicle light control signals using a mobile device to enhance the user's ability (e.g., capability) to detect a vehicle (e.g., in a crowded area, a parking lot, etc.). One or more lights of the vehicle may be activated or deactivated in synchronization with a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted from the mobile device. Following transmission of the vehicle light control signal sequence, activation and deactivation of the vehicle light(s) may be correspondingly controlled in real time. For example, the user may perform a sequence of touch inputs on (e.g.,at) the mobile device, and a vehicle light may be controlled to blink (e.g., flash) in synchronization with the user's touch input. The control signal sequence may also be generated at (e.g., at) the mobile device based on predetermined patterns or the beats per minute (BPM) of a song being played at (e.g., on) the mobile device. Furthermore, tactile feedback may be provided (e.g., transmitted, conveyed) to the mobile device to further assist the user in locating (e.g., finding, locating) the vehicle.

[0024] The techniques described above rely on a wireless communication session (e.g., rely on a wireless communication session) established between a user's mobile device and a vehicle control unit of a vehicle via a remote server (e.g., remote server). Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication session between a mobile device and a vehicle control unit of a vehicle. As in Fig. 1, a remote server 120 which is operable (e.g. operable, functional) to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device 100 that a user 102 belongs, and with a vehicle control unit 112 with which a vehicle 110 equipped to communicate, a wireless communication session with the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 110 The wireless communication session with the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 110can be established via a mobile network or cellular network (e.g. Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 4G, 3G, etc.) or via Bluetooth (BT) (or a variation thereof, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), etc.).

[0025] A sequence of vehicle light control signals can be applied to (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 using a variety of techniques, and the vehicle light control signals can be generated by the mobile device 100 to the remote server 120 The vehicle light control signals transmitted to (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 generated can be used by the server (e.g., remote server) 120 to control one or more vehicle lights (e.g., (vehicle) light sources, (vehicle) light sources, (vehicle) lamps, (vehicle) lamps) 114 of the vehicle 110in real time so that the vehicle light 114 flashes (e.g., flashes) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals. The one or more vehicle lights 114 may have any light (e.g. lamp, light source, light source) with which the vehicle 110 such as one or more of the vehicle's headlights, dipped beam headlights (e.g., dipped headlights, dipped headlamps), high beam headlights, daytime running lights (e.g., daytime running lights), fog lights (e.g., fog lights, fog lamps), parking lights (e.g., parking lights, parking lamps), turn signal lights (e.g., indicator lights, indicator lamps) or the like. The one or more vehicle lights 114 may also be any accessory light (not shown) that is attached to an exterior or interior of the vehicle 110 mounted and operatively connected to the vehicle control unit 112 coupled.

[0026] For example, the vehicle light control signals received from the mobile device 100 transmitted according to (e.g. depending on) touch input signals 220 which are attached to (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 are received, generated, as in Fig. 1. The touch input signals 220 can be used by a user 102 generated, which of the mobile device 100 provides a sequence of touch inputs. This means that the user 102 can be an input element of the mobile device 100 Press and release several times for different periods of time alternately (e.g., alternately). The touch input signals 220 therefore represent a sequence of vehicle light control signals. The touch input signals can 220 Define activation periods when the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100during which the vehicle light 114 of the vehicle 110 to be activated, alternating (e.g. alternating) with deactivation periods, if the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 during which the vehicle light 114 The input element can be any key (e.g. any switch, any button) of the mobile device 100 In addition, the key (e.g., the switch, the button) may be located on (e.g., on) a touch-sensitive display of the mobile device 100 displayed (e.g. represented), e.g. button 104 , as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0027] For illustration purposes Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of vehicle light control signals generated by touch input on (e.g., at) a mobile device. As in Fig. 2 the user can 102 an input element (e.g. button 104 ) of the mobile device 100 Press (P) and release (R) for alternating (e.g., different) periods of time over a period of time (e.g., a period of time). The touch input from the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 (e.g. using the button 104 ) can generate a sequence of vehicle light control signals comprising a plurality of activation periods (A) during which the vehicle light 114 is to be activated, alternating (e.g. alternating) with deactivation periods (D), during which the vehicle light 114 to be deactivated. As further described in Fig. 2 the vehicle light can 114 in synchronization with the touch input from the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100activated and deactivated. That is, while the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 presses (P) the vehicle light is 114 activated for a corresponding duration (e.g. time period) (A), and while the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 released (R), the vehicle lights are deactivated for a corresponding duration (D). The result is that the vehicle lights 114 can be controlled essentially in real time to match the touch input provided by the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 provided (e.g., to match).

[0028] As an example, Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the activation and deactivation of a vehicle light in synchronization with an exemplary sequence of vehicle light control signals. As in Fig. 3, while the user 102 a button 104 the mobile device 100 presses, the vehicle light can 114 be activated until the button 104 This period is referred to herein as the “Activation Period.” Once the user 102 the button 104 lets go the vehicle light 114 be deactivated until the button 104 is pressed again. This period is referred to herein as the “deactivation period.” This process can be repeated indefinitely (often) as long as the user 102 (so that) continues (e.g. continues), a touch input on (e.g. on) the mobile device 100 provide (ie the button 104 presses).

[0029] In particular, the touch input sequence performed by the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100is generated, a vehicle light activation pattern (ie a pattern according to (e.g. depending on) which the vehicle light 114 activated / deactivated) as in Fig. 2. Since there are no restrictions on how long or short the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 press or release, the vehicle light activation pattern can be changed by the user 102 in any suitable manner. This means that each vehicle light activation pattern can potentially be unique, thereby limiting the user's ability 102 , the vehicle 100 , whose lights 114flashing (e.g. blinking) according to a unique pattern, particularly in crowded areas where multiple vehicles are present. Although the vehicle light activation pattern is shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 as being activated by touch input signals 220 , which are provided by the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 provided, the vehicle light activation pattern may alternatively be defined by other methods, such as a predetermined vehicle light activation pattern provided by the user 102 is selected, associating the vehicle light activation pattern with (e.g., matching the vehicle light activation pattern with) the beats per minute (BPM) of a song currently playing on the mobile device 100 is played (e.g. played back).

[0030] Referring again to Fig. 1, the sequence of vehicle light control signals (ie touch input signals 220 ) that are attached to (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 generated, to a remote, central server (e.g. central remote server, remote server) 120 transmitted (via mobile networks, Bluetooth-based communication or the like). The server 120 the vehicle light can then 114 based on the received sequence of vehicle light control signals by transmitting a series of vehicle light activation signals 230 to the vehicle control unit 112 of the vehicle 110 control. The server 120 can the vehicle light activation signals 230 almost simultaneously with reception of the vehicle light control signals from the mobile device 100 to the vehicle control unit 112transmitted (a negligible delay in transmission may exist). In this way, the vehicle light 114 in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals essentially in real time, while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is transmitted to (e.g. at) the remote server 120 is received.

[0031] In the case of controlling the vehicle light 114 Using touch input, the activation period (when the vehicle light 114 is activated) be defined as the period during which the user 102 a button 104 the mobile device 100 button, and the deactivation period (when the vehicle light 114 is deactivated) can be defined as the period during which the user 102 the button 104released, as explained above. In other cases, the activation period and the deactivation period may be defined according to, for example, a predetermined sequence of vehicle light control signals received from the user 102 selected from a plurality of predetermined sequences of vehicle light control signals, or the beats per minute (BPM) of a song currently playing on the mobile device 100 played (e.g. played back). In any case, the remote server 120 the vehicle light 114 in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals by continuously transmitting vehicle light activation signals (“activation signals”) 230 to the vehicle control unit 112 to turn on the vehicle light 114 during each of the activation periods, and by omitting to transmit the activation signals 230to the vehicle control unit 112 to turn on the vehicle light 114 during each of the deactivation periods.

[0032] In response to receiving each activation signal 230 from the remote server 120 the vehicle control unit 112 the vehicle light 114 activate (e.g. by transmitting control signals 240 , as it would be understood in technology). The vehicle control unit 112 can continuously receive activation signals 230 check and can control the vehicle lights 114 remain activated as long as the activation signals are received. If the activation signals 230 cannot be received, the vehicle control unit 112 on the other hand, the vehicle light 114 deactivate until an activation signal 230 is received again.

[0033] The vehicle detection techniques described herein are applicable in various scenarios. For example, Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary simplified method for controlling a light of a vehicle owned by the user in synchronization with a sequence of vehicle light control signals generated at (e.g., at) a mobile device. The method 400 can at step 405 start and continue with step 410 continue in which, as described in more detail herein, a user 102 a sequence of vehicle light control signals using the mobile device 100 to activate and deactivate one or more lights of a vehicle 110 , which in a possible scenario the user 102 belongs to, such as in a case where the user 102 his vehicle 110that is parked in a large, crowded parking lot.

[0034] In step 405 An application running on the mobile device 100 running, to initialize the vehicle detection system described herein. The remote server 120 which is operable (e.g. operable, functional) to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device 100 and the vehicle control unit 112 of the vehicle 110 To communicate, a notification about the application initialization from the mobile device 100 received. In response, the server can 120 try to 102 the mobile device 100 in step 410 Authentication can be performed by the server 120be performed accordingly using any authentication technique generally known in the art, e.g., digital or analog techniques, using any number and / or variety of wireless security protocols.

[0035] After user authentication 102 in step 415 the server can 120 with the vehicle control unit 112 of the vehicle 110 communicate with the user to initialize the vehicle detection system. At this point, the vehicle control unit 112 begin to respond to activation signals 230 , which are from the server 120 transferred (step 420 ).

[0036] As described above, in the event that the user 102 the mobile device 100 provides a touch input to control the vehicle lights 114vehicle light activation periods can be defined as periods during which the user’s finger is touched by an input element (e.g. button 104 ) of the mobile device 100 is in contact, while vehicle light deactivation periods can be defined as periods during which the user’s finger touches the input element of the mobile device 100 During each activation period, the server can 120 continuously the vehicle light activation signals 230 to the vehicle 100 transmitted, and the transmission of the vehicle light activation signals 230 can be paused once the activation period ends and a deactivation period begins.

[0037] Accordingly, if a vehicle light activation signal 230 in the vehicle light control unit 112 is received, which means that the user 102the input element of the mobile device 100 touched, the vehicle control unit 112 the vehicle light(s) 114 activate, in step 425 However, if no vehicle light activation signal 230 on (e.g. at) the vehicle control unit 112 is received, which means that the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 not touched, the vehicle control unit 112 the vehicle light(s) 114 deactivate, in step 430 . The vehicle control unit 112 can continue to respond to activation signals 230 from the server 120 to check and the steps 420 - 430 repeat as in Fig. 4, as long as the mobile device 100 the application is still running (step 435 ), forming a vehicle light control loop in which the vehicle lights114 with a touch input from the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 are synchronized.

[0038] Once the application running on the mobile device 100 running, has been closed, the vehicle control unit 112 the vehicle lights 114 deactivate and the vehicle detection system may terminate (e.g. may be terminated). The server 120 the vehicle control unit 112 inform about the termination (e.g. the termination) of the vehicle detection system, which indicates that the vehicle control unit 112 no longer respond to activation signals 230 from the server 120 must check.

[0039] The procedure 400 ends illustratively with step 440 The techniques by which the steps of methods 400can be performed, as well as additional procedures and parameters are described in detail above.

[0040] It should be noted that the Fig. 4 are merely illustrative examples, and certain other steps may be included or excluded as desired. Furthermore, although a particular order of steps is shown, this order is only illustrative, and any suitable arrangement of steps may be used without departing from the scope of the embodiments herein. The illustrated steps may also be modified in any suitable manner consistent with the scope of the present claims.

[0041] As another example, Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary simplified method for controlling a light of a ride-sharing vehicle providing transportation (e.g., conveyance) to the user in synchronization with a sequence of vehicle light control signals generated at (e.g., at) a mobile device. The method 500 can at step 505 start and at step 510 continue where, as described in more detail herein, a user 102 a sequence of vehicle light control signals using the mobile device 100 to activate and deactivate one or more lights of a vehicle 110 , which, in one possible scenario, is a ride-sharing vehicle that provides the user 102 Transport (e.g. carriage) in response to a request from the user 102for a ride using a ride-sharing service. The vehicle recognition techniques described herein may be particularly helpful in such a scenario, as users often experience difficulties in identifying ride-sharing vehicles because the user 102 cannot know what the vehicle looks like, the area in which the vehicle 110 can be very crowded, it can be dark outside, etc. As in Fig. 5, steps that have no shading can be controlled by the remote server's control logic 120 (or in some cases (by means of) control logic of the mobile device 100 ), while steps that have a shading are carried out by means of control logic of the vehicle control unit 112can be carried out. Dashed lines indicate communication via a wireless network (e.g., mobile network / cellular network, Bluetooth-based networks, or the like).

[0042] The procedure 500 can at step 505 begin when the user 102 requests a ride from (e.g.) a ride-sharing service such as Uber™, Lyft™, etc. and uses a ride-sharing vehicle to pick up and transport (e.g., to transport) the user 102 assigned (e.g. allocated). In step 510 the remote server can 120 , which is operable (e.g. operable, functional) to communicate wirelessly with the vehicle control unit 112 and the mobile device 100 to communicate, start to determine the position of the vehicle 110 to monitor using information that is transferred to the server 120 from the vehicle 110is transmitted (e.g. Global Positioning System (GPS) data, which is transmitted using a GPS device with which the vehicle 110 is endowed, be obtained (e.g. obtained).

[0043] The activation of the vehicle detection system described herein may be delayed until the vehicle 110 relatively close to the user 102 A predetermined distance threshold may be set for the purpose of determining whether the vehicle 110 sufficiently close to the user 102 so that the vehicle lights 114 of the vehicle 110 visible to the user. For example, the server 120 in step 515 determine whether the vehicle 110 within 200 feet (approximately 60.96 m) of the user's location (determined, for example, using the mobile device's built-in GPS 100) or a specified pickup location. The predetermined distance threshold can be set according to the operator's preferences.

[0044] If the vehicle 110 not within the predetermined distance threshold (e.g. 200 feet (approximately 60.96 m)) from the user 102 or the specified pickup location, the server can 120 continue, the position of the vehicle 110 to monitor (e.g. check) to detect when the vehicle 100 has moved within the distance threshold (e.g. into the distance threshold). On the other hand, if the vehicle 110 is within the predetermined threshold (e.g. distance threshold), the server can 120 a vehicle detection system initialization request (e.g., a vehicle detection system initialization request) to the vehicle control unit 112 of the vehicle 110 in step 520and can repeat this step until step 525 It is determined that the vehicle detection system has been initialized. The server can 120 try to stop the vehicle 110 Authentication can be performed by the server 120 using any authentication technique generally known in the art, e.g., digital or analog techniques, using any number and / or variety of wireless security protocols.

[0045] In step 530 the server can 120 determine whether the vehicle 110 to a speed lower than a predetermined speed threshold (e.g. 5 miles per hour (mph) (approximately 8.05 km / h)), using information transmitted to the server 120 from the vehicle 110transmitted (e.g. GPS data, internal sensor data, etc.). If the vehicle 110 slows down or stops completely and it is within a predetermined distance (e.g. a predetermined distance) to (e.g. from) the user 102 it can be assumed that the driver of the vehicle 110 attempts to retrieve the user 102 to carry out (e.g. to complete, to finish).

[0046] In the steps 535 and 540 the server can 120 wirelessly with the vehicle control unit 112 and the mobile device 100 communicate to the vehicle detection system on (e.g. on) the vehicle 110 or the mobile device 100 At this point, the user can 102 use various techniques described hereinabove to generate a sequence of vehicle light control signals that are transmitted to the server120 transmitted and to the vehicle control unit 112 as activation signals 230 The vehicle control unit 112 can simultaneously begin to respond to activation signals 230 from the server 120 to check, and the vehicle lights 114 activate accordingly so that the vehicle lights 114 with the received activation signals 230 synchronize.

[0047] In step 545 the server can 120 begin the sequence of vehicle light control signals from the mobile device 100 The sequence of vehicle light control signals can be transmitted to (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 generated using various techniques, such as the user 102 provides a touch input on the mobile device 100 ready, the user 102selects a predetermined vehicle light activation pattern from a plurality of predetermined vehicle light activation patterns or matching (e.g., matching) the vehicle light activation pattern with (e.g., to) the beats per minute (BPM) of a song currently playing on the mobile device 100 played (e.g., played) as described above. For demonstration purposes, the Fig. 5 to generating the sequence of vehicle light control signals by means of a touch input provided by the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 is provided.

[0048] As described above, in the event that the user 102 the mobile device 100 provides a touch input to control the vehicle lights 114vehicle light activation periods can be defined as periods during which the user’s finger is in contact with an input element (e.g. button 104 ) of the mobile device 100 while vehicle light deactivation periods can be defined as periods during which the user’s finger touches the input element of the mobile device 100 During each activation period, the server can 120 the vehicle light activation signals 230 continuously to the vehicle 110 transfer (step 550 ) and the transmission of vehicle light activation signals 230 can be paused once the activation periods end and a deactivation period begins.

[0049] Meanwhile, the vehicle control unit 112 in the steps 555 and 560 to vehicle light activation signals 230check the server 120 If a vehicle light activation signal 230 on (e.g. at) the vehicle control unit 112 is received, which means that the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 touched, the vehicle control unit 112 in step 565 the vehicle light(s) 114 However, if no vehicle light activation signal 230 on (e.g. at) the vehicle control unit 112 is received, which means that the user 102 the input element of the mobile device 100 not touched, the vehicle control unit 112 in step 570 deactivate the vehicle light(s). The vehicle control unit 112 can continue to respond to activation signals 230 from the server 120 to check and follow the steps 560 - 570 to repeat, as in Fig. 5, as long as the vehicle detection system is still active (step 575 ), forming a vehicle light control loop in which the vehicle lights 114 with a touch input from the user 102 on the mobile device 100 This means that the blinking (e.g. flashing) vehicle lights can reflect the touch input made by the user 102 on (e.g. at) the mobile device 100 provided, imitate (e.g., mimic).

[0050] The server 120 can proceed on vehicle light control signals from the mobile device 100 to check, as long as the ride-sharing application through which the user 102 can generate the sequence of vehicle light control signals, still on the mobile device 100 is active (step 580 ). Once the application running on the mobile device 100running, has been closed, the server 120 in step 585 determine whether the vehicle 110 the user 102 picked up (ie the requested trip starts) or whether the requested trip has been cancelled. If the requested trip has neither started nor been cancelled, the server 120 monitor (e.g. check) whether the mobile device 100 the ride-sharing application restarts, in which case the procedure 500 to step 545 returns.

[0051] On the other hand, if the requested trip has either started (i.e. the vehicle 110 has the user 102 picked up) or canceled, the server can activate the vehicle detection system on (e.g. on) the mobile device 100 in step 590 deactivate and the vehicle detection system on (e.g. on) the vehicle 110 in step 595In response, the vehicle light control loop may end, indicating that the vehicle control unit 112 no longer respond to activation signals 230 from the server 120 must check.

[0052] The procedure 500 ends illustratively at step 600 The techniques by which the steps of the method 500 and additional procedures and parameters that can be performed are described in detail above.

[0053] It should be noted that the Fig. 5 are merely illustrative examples, and certain other steps may be included or excluded as desired. Furthermore, although a particular order of steps is shown, this order is only illustrative, and any suitable arrangement of steps may be used without departing from the scope of the embodiments herein. The illustrated steps may also be modified in any suitable manner consistent with the scope of the present claims.

[0054] The vehicle detection system described herein may also provide tactile (e.g., tangible, haptic, palpable) feedback from the mobile device 100 manipulate (e.g. influence) the user 102 further in locating (e.g. finding) the vehicle 110For demonstration purposes, FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating exemplary schemes for controlling tactile feedback of a mobile device to assist the user in locating (e.g., finding, locating) the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, tactile feedback to the mobile device 100 delivered (e.g. transmitted, transferred) and according to (e.g. depending on) a distance (e.g. distance) between the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 110 or according to (e.g. depending on) an orientation (e.g. alignment) of the mobile device 100 with reference to the vehicle 110 Manipulating the tactile (e.g., tangible, haptic, palpable) feedback of the mobile device 100 provides other means to improve the ability (e.g. possibility) of the user to control the vehicle 110to recognize, especially in areas where identifying a specific vehicle might be difficult.

[0055] First, as in Fig. 6A, the intensity (e.g., strength) of the tactile feedback (i.e., vibration) provided to the mobile device 100 delivered (e.g. transmitted, communicated) according to (e.g. depending on) the distance between the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 110 In particular, the intensity of the tactile feedback on (e.g., at) the mobile device 100 increase if the user 102 closer to the vehicle 110 comes, that is, when the distance between the mobile device 100 and the vehicle 110 This can be achieved either by increasing the amplitude of the mobile device’s vibration alarm 100or by increasing the vibration frequency (ie more vibrations per second) on (eg at) the mobile device 100 achieved (e.g. obtained) when the user 102 closer to the vehicle 110 comes.

[0056] Secondly, as in Fig. 6B shows the length of tactile feedback pulses sent to the mobile device 100 delivered (e.g. transmitted, communicated) can be determined according to the orientation of the mobile device 100 with reference to the vehicle 110 In particular, different vibration pulses can be set for the mobile device 100 be encoded to indicate whether the user 102 to the right or to the left in order to reach the vehicle 110 For example, a “SHORT-LONG” vibration pulse (i.e., a short pulse followed by a long pulse) could be sent to the mobile device 100delivered (e.g. transmitted, conveyed) when the user has to turn left to reach the vehicle 110 to arrive, while a “LONG-SHORT” vibration pulse (ie a long pulse followed by a short pulse) to the mobile device 100 delivered (e.g. transmitted, conveyed) if the user has to turn right to reach the vehicle 110 to arrive.

[0057] Accordingly, techniques are described herein that improve the ability (e.g., possibility) of a user to recognize a vehicle using a mobile device that is in communication with a control unit of a vehicle. In a scenario where a user has requested a ride using a ride-sharing service, the described techniques enable (e.g., facilitate) rapid matching (e.g., matching) of the user and the user's intended vehicle at (e.g., at) a pickup location that may be in an area of ​​high traffic (e.g., congestion), darkness, or other factors that make identifying the user's vehicle difficult. Confusion (e.g., mistaken identity) between the user and the driver of the intended vehicle is reduced as a result. Trust and safety are also improved as a result, since the user can be assured that they are boarding the correct vehicle.

[0058] The foregoing description has been directed to embodiments of the present disclosure / invention. It will be apparent, however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments while achieving some or all of their advantages. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as exemplary only and not to limit the scope of the embodiments herein. Therefore, it is the intention of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

[1] Method (400, 500) comprising: Establishing, by means of a remote server (120), a wireless communication session with a mobile device (100) of a user (102) and a vehicle control unit (112) with which a vehicle (110) is equipped, Receiving at the remote server (120) a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted from the mobile device (100) defining activation periods during which a vehicle light (114) of the vehicle (110) is to be activated, alternating with deactivation periods during which the vehicle light (114) is to be deactivated, and Controlling by means of the remote server (120) the vehicle light (114) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is received at the remote server (120), wherein controlling the vehicle light (114) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals comprises: continuously transmitting (550) by means of the remote server (120) activation signals to the vehicle control unit (112) to activate the vehicle light (114) during each of the activation periods (425, 565), and Refraining, by means of the remote server (120), from transmitting the activation signals to the vehicle control unit (112) to deactivate the vehicle light (114) during each of the deactivation periods (430, 570). [2] The method (400, 500) of claim 1, wherein the remote server (120) activates and deactivates the vehicle light (114) in accordance with a vehicle light activation pattern defined by the sequence of vehicle light control signals. [3] The method (400, 500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of the activation periods or deactivation periods is variable during the sequence of vehicle light control signals. [4] The method (400, 500) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sequence of vehicle light control signals is generated by means of a user input from the user (420, 545). [5] The method (400, 500) of claim 4, wherein the activation periods are defined as periods during which the user (102) presses (420, 545) an input element (104) of the mobile device (100), and the deactivation periods are defined as periods during which the user (102) releases (420, 545) the input element (104) of the mobile device (100). [6] The method (400, 500) according to claim 5, wherein the input element (104) is a button (104) of the mobile device (100). [7] The method (400, 500) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the input element (104) is a button (104) displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the mobile device (100). [8] The method (400, 500) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sequence of vehicle light control signals is selected by the user (102) from a plurality of predetermined sequences of vehicle light control signals. [9] The method (400, 500) of claim 8, wherein the vehicle light activation signals (230) are transmitted to the remote server (120) from the mobile device (100) according to a vehicle light activation pattern defined by the user-selected predetermined sequence of vehicle light control signals. [10] The method (400, 500) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sequence of vehicle light control signals is defined according to beats per minute (BPM) of a song currently playing on the mobile device (100). [11] The method (400, 500) of claim 10, wherein the vehicle light activation signals are transmitted to the remote server (120) from the mobile device (100) according to a vehicle light activation pattern defined by the beats per minute (BPM) of the currently playing song. [12] The method (400, 500) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vehicle (110) is a ride-sharing vehicle that provides transportation to the user (102) in response to a request from the user (102) for a ride using a ride-sharing service. [13] Method (400, 500) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: Controlling, by means of the remote server (120), tactile feedback of the mobile device (100) according to a distance between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (110) or according to an orientation of the mobile device (100) with respect to the vehicle (110). [14] The method (400, 500) of claim 13, further comprising: Causing, by means of the remote server (120), the tactile feedback of the mobile device (100) to increase in intensity as the distance between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (110) decreases. [15] Method (400, 500) according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: Controlling, by means of the remote server (120), a length of tactile feedback pulses of the mobile device (100) according to the orientation of the mobile device (100) with respect to the vehicle (110). [16] The method (400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the wireless communication session with the mobile device (100) and the vehicle control unit (112) is established by means of a mobile network or by means of Bluetooth. [17] Method (400, 500) according to one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising: Receiving at the remote server (120) position information indicating a position of the vehicle (110) from the vehicle control unit (112), Calculating by means of the remote server (120) a position or a speed of the vehicle (110) based on the received position information, Determining by means of the remote server (120) whether the calculated position or the calculated speed meets a predetermined threshold, and Controlling, by means of the remote server (120), the vehicle light (114) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals when it is determined that the predetermined threshold is met. [18] A system which has: a vehicle (110) having a vehicle control unit (112) provided therein, a mobile device (100) of a user (102) and a remote server (120) operable to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device (100) and the vehicle control unit (112), wherein the remote server (120) is configured to: establish a wireless communication session with the mobile device (100) and the vehicle control unit (112), to receive a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted by the mobile device (100) which define activation periods during which a vehicle light (114) of the vehicle (110) is to be activated, alternating with deactivation periods during which the vehicle light (114) is to be deactivated, and to control the vehicle light (114) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is received at the remote server (120), and wherein controlling the vehicle light (114) in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals comprises: continuously transmitting activation signals to the vehicle control unit (112) by means of the remote server (120) to activate the vehicle light (114) during each of the activation periods, and Refraining, by means of the remote server (120), from transmitting the activation signals to the vehicle control unit (112) to deactivate the vehicle light (114) during each of the deactivation periods. [19] Method (400, 500) comprising: Establishing, by means of a remote server (120), a wireless communication session with a mobile device (100) of a user (102) and a vehicle control unit (112) with which a vehicle (110) is equipped, Receiving at the remote server (120) position information of the mobile device (100) and position information of the vehicle (110), Calculating, by means of the remote server (120), a distance between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (110) or an orientation of the mobile device (100) with respect to the vehicle (110) according to the position information of the mobile device (100) and the position information of the vehicle (110) and Controlling, by means of the remote server (120), tactile feedback of the mobile device (100) according to the calculated distance between the mobile device (100) and the vehicle (110) or according to the calculated orientation of the mobile device (100) with respect to the vehicle (110).

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