Device and method for operating a function of a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) and a method for actuating a function of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the device (100) comprises a first transceiver unit (10) arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle (10) and configured to receive a function signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle (1) from a functional unit different from the motor vehicle (1), a second transceiver unit (20) arranged at a second location of the motor vehicle (1) and configured to receive the function signal from the functional unit (200), and a control unit (90) which is in communication connection with the first transceiver unit (10) and the second transceiver unit (20) and which is configured toThe system includes recording and comparing the transit time of the function signal from the function unit (200) to the first transmit / receive unit (10) and the transit time of the function signal from the function unit (200) to the second transmit / receive unit (20), and activating or disabling the function based on the comparison.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for actuating a function of a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with such a device.

[0002] Currently, access to motor vehicle functions from outside is enabled via one or more transceivers that communicate with a functional device. However, these transceivers can potentially be manipulated.

[0003] For example, protection must be provided against an abusive artificial extension of the radio range (so-called relay attack) in order to prevent a request signal from the motor vehicle from being transmitted beyond the original radio range of the motor vehicle to the functional device external to the vehicle in order to cause the functional device to send out its response signal without the user's knowledge.

[0004] A possible protection against artificial range extension is known, for example, from DE 199 27 253 A1. According to this solution, an authentication unit is equipped with an additional motion sensor, and upon receiving a request signal from a motor vehicle, it is checked whether the authentication unit has been moving for a predetermined time interval. This solution assumes that a user performs walking movements when approaching a motor vehicle, which can be detected by the motion sensor and used to verify the plausibility of the activation process.If, on the other hand, the authentication unit is unused, for example in a residential building, it is at rest and even if a request signal from a motor vehicle is forwarded to the authentication unit, a response signal is prevented from being generated by the authentication unit, so that an activation process fails.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device and an improved method for actuating a function of a motor vehicle.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0007] A device according to the invention for actuating a function of a motor vehicle comprises a first transceiver device which is arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle and which is designed to receive a function signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle from a functional device different from the motor vehicle, a second transceiver device which is arranged at a second location of the motor vehicle and is designed to receive the function signal from the functional device, and a control device which is in communication connection with the first transceiver device and the second transceiver device and which is designedto detect and compare a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device to the first transceiver device and a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device to the second transceiver device and to activate or disable the function based on the comparison.

[0008] The device is used in particular to detect manipulation of a transceiver device and thus prevent unauthorized access to functions of the motor vehicle.

[0009] For this purpose, the device initially comprises a first transceiver device which is arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle.

[0010] A transceiver can also be referred to as a transceiver, antenna, or armature and is a device in a motor vehicle that serves to transmit and receive signals. In particular, the transceiver is designed to receive signals wirelessly.

[0011] The first transceiver device is arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle, in particular on or in the vicinity of a body part, such as in or on a fender, in or on an apron, in or on a roof element and / or in or on an A-, B- and / or C-pillar.

[0012] The transceiver device is designed to receive a function signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle from a functional device different from the motor vehicle.

[0013] A functional device is an independent object, distinct from and spatially separable from the motor vehicle, and serves to trigger, execute, or effect functions by a user of the motor vehicle without the functional device itself having to be present in the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the functional device can be located at a distance from the motor vehicle for operation, for example, 1 m, 2 m, 5 m, or 10 m.

[0014] For this purpose, the functional device is designed, in particular, to communicate wirelessly with the motor vehicle or the transceiver devices. In particular, the functional device uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for this purpose. In particular, the functional signal comprises a characteristic pulse signal from which the desired function can be derived. In addition, the functional device can also support or utilize another radio technology with which communication via UWB is prepared and / or initiated.

[0015] The functional device can in particular be designed as a proprietary device, such as a key, transponder and / or fob, and can provide one or more functions of the motor vehicle via dedicated keys or buttons.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the functional device can also be designed as a mobile radio device, in particular as a smartphone, phablet, tablet and / or wearable, which also provides functions of the motor vehicle with the help of one or more applications.

[0017] The device also comprises a second transceiver device which is arranged at a second location of the motor vehicle and is also designed to receive the function signal from the function device.

[0018] The second transceiver is configured similarly or identically to the previously described first transceiver. In particular, the second transceiver is also configured to receive the function signal. Only the first and second locations differ from each other.

[0019] For example, the first transceiver is arranged on a front left fender, and the second transceiver is arranged on a left B-pillar. In particular, the first transceiver is spaced at least 30 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm, or 150 cm from the second transceiver.

[0020] In particular, more than two such transceiver devices are provided which are of similar or identical construction, for example at least four, six, eight or ten such transceiver devices, each at different locations of the motor vehicle and / or spaced apart from one another.

[0021] The device also comprises a control device which is in communication connection with the first transceiver device and the second transceiver device.

[0022] The control device serves to control, trigger, and / or effect one or more functions of the motor vehicle, in particular—but not exclusively—those that can be actuated by the functional device. The control device can also be referred to as a control unit, in particular as a central control unit.

[0023] The control device is connected in particular to all transceiver devices, in particular by wire, for example via a bus, such as a CAN bus, and is designed to communicate with them and in particular to receive information from them.

[0024] The control device is designed to detect a propagation time of the function signal from the function device to the first transceiver device.

[0025] The control device is also designed to detect a propagation time of the function signal from the function device to the second transceiver device

[0026] A propagation time is the time it takes for the functional signal to travel from the functional device to the first or second transceiver. This propagation time is typically in the millisecond, microsecond, or nanosecond range and inevitably differs between two transceivers, even if they are located relatively close to each other.

[0027] Typically, each transceiver device can calculate or determine the propagation time from the received function signal and provide it to the control device. Additionally or alternatively, however, the control device can be configured to calculate or determine the respective propagation times.

[0028] The control device is further designed to compare these recorded running times and to activate or block the function based on the comparison.

[0029] For this purpose, the control device can in particular receive information regarding the desired function from the first transceiver device and / or from the second transceiver device.

[0030] In particular, the control device is designed to set the propagation time of the first transceiver device in relation to the propagation time of the second transceiver device and not to trigger the function in the event of a deviation, in particular a deviation by a predetermined threshold value, which can be relative or absolute.

[0031] In return, the control device can be designed to trigger or effect the requested function in the event of a deviation that is below a predetermined threshold value.

[0032] The device according to the invention makes it possible to detect manipulation, in particular a movement of the first transceiver device away from the motor vehicle, and to carry out suitable defensive measures.

[0033] This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized access to vehicle functions.

[0034] According to a further development, the function includes unlocking the motor vehicle.

[0035] An unlocking can include one, several, or all doors of the motor vehicle. An unlocking can additionally or alternatively include the trunk, in particular in conjunction with an automatic opening device that opens the trunk lid.

[0036] The unlocking can be effected in particular by pressing a button on a key, transponder and / or fob and / or a button on a mobile device.

[0037] In particular, unlocking can also be done contactlessly, i.e., without the user actually pressing a button, but simply by approaching the device. This type of function can also be referred to as keyless go.

[0038] This further development makes it possible to prevent unauthorized access to the interior particularly effectively.

[0039] According to a further development, the function includes an ignition of the motor vehicle.

[0040] Ignition includes in particular the starting of an engine, in particular an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor, and can also be referred to as providing, enabling or initiating an engine function, after which the motor vehicle can be immediately moved or driven, for example by actuating an accelerator pedal.

[0041] The ignition can be carried out, for example, by pressing a knob or button on the functional device and enable a so-called remote start, for example to air-condition the motor vehicle, in particular to heat or cool it.

[0042] Ignition can also be initiated by pressing a knob or button in the motor vehicle, which is not triggered by interaction with the functional device. In this case, the propagation time between the functional device and the first transceiver and the propagation time between the functional device and the second transceiver are still measured and compared to initiate the ignition if a threshold is undershot and prevent it if it is overshot.

[0043] This training makes it possible to prevent unauthorized engine starting particularly effectively.

[0044] A separate comparison can be recorded for both an unlocking and an ignition, thus forming the basis for a two-stage test.

[0045] In particular, different thresholds, especially higher thresholds or tolerances, can be used for the comparison for unlocking than for ignition. For example, a threshold that is 10%, 20%, 50%, or 100% higher than a threshold for ignition can be used for the comparison for unlocking.

[0046] According to a further development, the control device is designed to determine an elapsed time period between unlocking and ignition and to activate or disable the function based on the determination of the elapsed time period.

[0047] The ignition can therefore only be started within a predetermined period of time after unlocking, whereas if the predetermined period of time is exceeded, ignition is no longer possible.

[0048] The duration can be, for example, a maximum of 90 s, 60 s, 30 s or 15 s.

[0049] This training makes it possible to limit the time period for a possible function activation.

[0050] A method according to the invention for activating a function of a motor vehicle comprises the steps of receiving a function signal for activating a function of the motor vehicle at a first transceiver device, which is arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle, from a functional device different from the motor vehicle, receiving the function signal at a second transceiver device, which is arranged at a second location of the motor vehicle, from the functional device, and detecting a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device to the first transceiver device, detecting a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device to the second transceiver device, comparing the propagation times and, based on the comparison, activating or disabling the function by a control device,which is in communication with the first transceiver device and the second transceiver device.

[0051] The method can be carried out in particular by an embodiment of a device described above.

[0052] A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a device according to one of the previously described embodiments.

[0053] With regard to the embodiments of the method and the motor vehicle and their advantages, reference is made to the previously described embodiments of the device and their advantages.

[0054] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0055] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a device and a method for actuating a function of a motor vehicle.

[0056] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or similar functions.

[0057] Fig.1 shows a schematic plan view of a device 100 and a method for actuating a function of a motor vehicle 1.

[0058] The device 100 is comprised by the motor vehicle 1 and is designed to carry out or effect the method described below.

[0059] The device 100 initially has a total of six transceivers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60, shown as examples. A first transceiver 10 is arranged on the left front fender, a second transceiver 20 on the right front fender, a third transceiver 30 on the left B-pillar, a fourth transceiver 40 on the right B-pillar, a fifth transceiver 50 on the left rear fender, and a sixth transceiver 60 on the right rear fender.

[0060] The transceiver devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 are designed to receive a function signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle 1 from a functional device 200 that is different from the motor vehicle 1 and spaced therefrom.

[0061] The device 100 also comprises a control device 90 which is in communication connection with the transceiver devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and which is designed to detect and compare a propagation time of the function signal from the function device 200 to the respective transceiver device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and to activate or disable the function based on the comparison.

[0062] The function includes both unlocking the motor vehicle 1 and igniting the motor vehicle 1.

[0063] The control device 90 is also designed to determine an elapsed time between unlocking and ignition and to activate or disable the function based on the determination. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 10 first transceiver device 20 second transceiver device 30 third transceiver device 40 fourth transceiver device 50 fifth transceiver device 60 sixth transceiver device 90 Control device 100 device 200 functional equipment QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 199 27 253 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device (100) for actuating a function of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a first transceiver device (10) which is arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle (10) and which is designed to receive a function signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle (1) from a functional device different from the motor vehicle (1); - a second transceiver device (20) which is arranged at a second location of the motor vehicle (1) and is designed to receive the function signal from the function device (200); and - a control device (90) which is in communication connection with the first transceiver device (10) and the second transceiver device (20) and which is designed to detect and compare a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device (200) to the first transceiver device (10) and a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device (200) to the second transceiver device (20) and to activate or disable the function based on the comparison. [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the function comprises unlocking the motor vehicle (1). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the function comprises an ignition of the motor vehicle (1). [4] Device (100) according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the control device (90) is designed to determine an elapsed time between an unlocking and an ignition and to activate or disable the function based on the determination. [5] Device (100), wherein the control device (90) additionally comprises a storage device which is configured to store a history of measured values ​​measured by the first transceiver device (10) and second transceiver device (20) together with time information, and to compare the measured values ​​depending on the history of the measured measured values. [6] Method for actuating a function of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - receiving a function signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle (1) at a first transceiver device (10) arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle (1) from a functional device (200) different from the motor vehicle (1); - receiving the function signal at a second transceiver device (20) arranged at a second location of the motor vehicle (1) from the function device (200); and - detecting a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device (200) to the first transceiver device (10), detecting a propagation time of the function signal from the functional device (200) to the second transceiver device (20), comparing the propagation times and, based on the comparison, activating or blocking the function by a control device (90) which is in communication with the first transceiver device (10) and the second transceiver device (20). [7] Method (100) according to claim 5, wherein the function comprises unlocking the motor vehicle (1). [8] Method (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the function comprises an ignition of the motor vehicle (1). [9] Method (100) according to claim 6 and 7 further comprising: - Determining an elapsed time of unlocking and ignition and, based on the determination, activating or disabling the function by the control device (90). [10] Motor vehicle comprising a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4.

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