Vehicle key for a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and method for signaling the status of a vehicle with an RKE system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle key for a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, wherein the RKE system comprises at least one vehicle in addition to the vehicle key, the vehicle key comprising a control unit, a communication unit, and a memory for a digital key, the communication unit being capable of communicating with the vehicle. According to the invention, the vehicle key also includes a signaling device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for signaling the status of a vehicle with an RKE system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle key for a so-called remote keyless entry (RKE) system, wherein the RKE system comprises at least one vehicle in addition to the vehicle key, wherein the vehicle key has a control unit, a communication unit, and a memory for a digital key, wherein the communication unit is suitable for communicating with the vehicle via a digital channel, and a method for signaling a status of a vehicle in an RKE system, wherein the RKE system includes at least one such vehicle key in addition to the vehicle.

[0002] In today's automotive industry, remote keyless entry (RCE) systems, also known as passive entry systems, are widespread, offering drivers convenient and secure access to various vehicle functions, such as locking and unlocking the vehicle using a key as described above. These RCE systems have been reliably used for years. However, operating various vehicle functions with the aforementioned keys has the disadvantage that it is often not immediately apparent whether the requested function has been successfully executed. For example, some drivers check that the doors are locked by testing the door handle. This can, in turn, lead to the vehicle falsely registering an attempt to enter the vehicle.Some manufacturers equip the vehicle with short beeps or flashing lights to acknowledge the execution of the desired function to the driver. Alternatively, some drivers check whether the vehicle's side mirrors fold in, thus receiving confirmation from a distance that the locking command has been successfully executed.

[0003] Currently, efforts are underway to make communication between such a vehicle key and the vehicle more secure and convenient. To this end, the Digital Key Standard was initiated by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to ensure the interoperability and security of such systems. This standard envisions communication between an ID transmitter, such as a digital key on a mobile device or an NFC key card, and the vehicle using various wireless transmission technologies, including UWB (ultra-wideband), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and NFC (near-field communication). The Digital Key Standard ensures, in particular, that this communication with the vehicle is secure and reliable, while simultaneously improving user-friendliness.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle key and a method which mitigate the aforementioned disadvantages for the driver in the communication between vehicle key and vehicle and which are particularly suitable for the digital key standard.

[0005] This problem is solved by a vehicle key according to independent claim 1.

[0006] The vehicle key according to the invention for a remote keyless entry (RKE) system or passive entry system, wherein the system comprises at least one vehicle in addition to the vehicle key, has a control unit, a communication unit, and a memory for a digital key. The communication unit is capable of communicating with the vehicle. According to the invention, the vehicle key has a signaling device. By means of the signaling device, the vehicle key can provide the operator of the vehicle key with a feedback signal about the vehicle status after a command sent by the vehicle key has been executed.

[0007] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the signaling device is provided to be controllable by the vehicle. This enables the vehicle to communicate its current vehicle status to the operator of the vehicle key via the signaling device after executing a command received from the vehicle key.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the signaling device can be controlled by the vehicle key's control unit. While in the embodiment just mentioned, the signaling device can be controlled directly by the vehicle, in this embodiment, the signaling device can be controlled by the vehicle key's control unit – for example, after receiving a corresponding vehicle status from the vehicle.

[0009] Specifically, in one embodiment, the signaling device may be configured to provide mechanical, acoustic, and / or optical signaling. Specifically, the signaling device may be configured to emit a vibration, a sound, and / or a flash of light.

[0010] The signaling device may therefore include a vibration element, a loudspeaker and / or an LED to output the signal to the driver.

[0011] The problem is also solved by a method according to the independent method claim. The inventive method for signaling the status of a vehicle with an RKE system, wherein the RKE system includes, in addition to the vehicle, at least one vehicle key according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprises the steps of: transmitting status information and / or signaling information from the vehicle to the vehicle key; and signaling the status by means of the signaling device of the vehicle key.

[0012] This method offers several advantages. Firstly, it is status-based, meaning that data transmission from the vehicle to the vehicle key only occurs after it has been determined that a status needs to be signaled. Secondly, the information can include the actual status or signaling information corresponding to that status. Therefore, the vehicle key's signaling device can either be addressed directly by the vehicle, or alternatively, the status can be transmitted to the vehicle key so that the vehicle key, or its control unit, can then activate the signaling device accordingly.

[0013] In particular, the procedure may include assigning the status to a signaling type of the signaling device. Accordingly, a different signaling type can be selected depending on the status. This allows different status states to be reproduced with different signaling types.

[0014] Further development of the procedure includes the following steps: Receiving a command from the vehicle key by the vehicle; Checking whether the command requires feedback to the vehicle key.

[0015] One embodiment of the method includes the step of determining a change in a status and / or executing a command with status feedback.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, status information and / or signaling information can be transmitted to several connected vehicle keys simultaneously.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle for an RKE system; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a vehicle key for an RKE system; Fig. 3 a schematic functional diagram of the vehicle key of the Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a schematic flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for signaling the status of a vehicle with an RKE system. Fig. 5 a schematic flowchart of a second embodiment of a method; and Fig. 6 a schematic flowchart of a third embodiment of a method

[0018] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle key 10 and a vehicle 12, which together form an RKE system. For this purpose, see in particular the Fig. 3 - The vehicle key has 10 functionalities or components, which are briefly described below. It should be noted that the description of the Fig. 3 is purely functionally oriented. The individual functions, which are represented here as separate units, can be separate components, partially integrated, or fully integrated together in one building block.

[0019] The vehicle key 10 includes a control unit 14. The control unit 14 is connected to a communication unit 16, has access to a memory 18, and receives signals from the buttons 20-26. The buttons 20-26 are located in the Fig. 3 are represented symbolically and can, for example, be like in Fig. 2 shown and executed.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit 14 is connected to a signaling device 28. The signaling device 28 is, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows an example connected to various signaling elements. These are a loudspeaker 30, a vibration element 32, and a light-emitting diode 34. The loudspeaker 30 is configured to emit sounds. The vibration element 32 is configured to generate a perceptible vibration in the vehicle key 10. The light-emitting diode 34 is configured to emit light signals. The communication device 16 is shown by way of example with an antenna 36. This is to be understood as purely symbolic. The communication device 16 can include one, several, or all of the following communication technologies: UWB (ultra-wideband), BLE (Bluetooth low energy), and NFC (near-field communication).

[0021] The control unit 14 can store information relevant to operation in memory 18, such as keys for cryptographic purposes or similar information.

[0022] The signaling device 28 is designed to provide feedback on the execution of commands or to display the vehicle status of the vehicle 12.

[0023] In the vehicle 12, analogous to the communication device 16 in the vehicle key 10, a vehicle communication device 40 is provided, which can communicate with the communication device 16 of the vehicle key 10. This is connected to a central control unit (not shown) of the vehicle 12, so that corresponding vehicle functions in the vehicle 12 can be controlled.

[0024] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a method for signaling the status of a vehicle in an RKE system in a schematic flowchart. The method begins in step SO with the authentication of the vehicle key on the vehicle. The authentication step can comprise several substeps and depends on the authentication rule set of the RKE system.

[0025] Vehicle key authentication can be initiated by the vehicle key itself or by the vehicle. Typically, the vehicle key initiates authentication, as the driver wants to activate a vehicle function by using the key. However, the vehicle can also initiate authentication with the vehicle key in order to send information to it.

[0026] After authentication, S1 information about the vehicle status is transmitted to the vehicle key in the next step. This vehicle status information can include the vehicle's status with regard to a specific vehicle function. Alternatively, this information can also simply include signaling information corresponding to a specific vehicle status.

[0027] After the vehicle status is transmitted, the next step involves signaling the vehicle status in the vehicle key (S2). Signaling the vehicle status can – as already explained in relation to the vehicle key – include emitting tones, vibration, or similar actions.

[0028] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of a method for signaling the status of a vehicle in an RKE system. Identical or comparable method steps are identified by the same reference numeral and are not described separately again. The method begins with step S0, in which the vehicle key is authenticated with the vehicle. In the next step, S10, a vehicle function is requested from the vehicle key. Requesting the vehicle function can be triggered, for example, by pressing a control element on the vehicle key, by bringing the vehicle key close to the vehicle, or by the passage of time.

[0029] After the vehicle function is requested, step S11 checks whether the requested vehicle function is feasible. This check step is optional and can be omitted if necessary.

[0030] If this check determines that the vehicle function cannot be performed, a corresponding negative feedback is transmitted to the vehicle key in step S12. This negative feedback is then signaled to the vehicle key in step S13, thus bringing it to the driver's attention.

[0031] If, however, step S11 determines that the vehicle function is feasible, the vehicle function is executed in step S14. Examples of vehicle functions include locking / unlocking all or individual vehicle doors, opening / closing the tailgate, opening / closing the vehicle windows, switching the auxiliary climate control on / off, preparing the vehicle for refueling, etc. If the vehicle function is successfully completed, the vehicle status of the corresponding function is changed in step S15. In step S16, the changed vehicle status is reported back to the vehicle key and signaled in or on the vehicle key (S17).

[0032] If, however, the vehicle function could not be successfully performed, a corresponding negative feedback can be sent to the vehicle key in step S18 and subsequently signaled to the driver in the vehicle key or on the vehicle key in step S19.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of a method for signaling the status of a vehicle in an RKE system. The embodiment of Fig. 6 differs from that of the Fig. 5 in that the function to be performed by the vehicle is a longer-lasting vehicle function. Accordingly, some process steps are identical to those of the embodiment of the Fig. 5. These are marked with the same reference symbols in the diagram and are not explained again separately to avoid repetition.

[0034] After the vehicle key is authenticated in step SO, a longer-lasting vehicle function is requested from the vehicle key in step S20. Such a function might require, for example, that a control element of the vehicle key be pressed for the entire duration of the function. Alternatively, the function can be initiated with a control element and stopped by pressing the same element again. An example of such a function could be opening the vehicle windows.

[0035] After requesting the longer-lasting vehicle function in step S20, the vehicle function begins with step S21, after optionally checking whether the vehicle function is feasible (S11).

[0036] At the in Fig.In the example shown in step 6, to continue the longer-lasting vehicle function, confirmation from the vehicle key is required. This is done in step S22. If the confirmation to continue the vehicle function is positive (Y), the ongoing vehicle function is not interrupted, and after a delay (S23), for example between 30 ms and 100 ms, confirmation to continue the ongoing vehicle function is requested again (S22).

[0037] If the vehicle does not receive confirmation to continue the continuous vehicle function (N), the continuous vehicle function is terminated in step S24. The changed vehicle status (S15) is reported back to the vehicle (S16) and to the operator of the vehicle key via the corresponding signaling device on the vehicle key (S10).

[0038] The vehicle key essentially acts as an ID transmitter, communicating with the vehicle as an RKE system according to the RKE-CCC standard. This allows the vehicle key operator to receive feedback on whether an RKE action was successful. Various feedback commands are available, triggering vibrations, beeps, etc., in the key. The vehicle key is equipped with a vibration mechanism or a buzzer for acoustic signaling.

Claims

[1] Vehicle key (10) for a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, wherein the RKE system comprises at least one vehicle (12) in addition to the vehicle key (10), wherein the vehicle key (10) comprises a control unit (14), a communication unit (16) and a memory (18) for a digital key, wherein the communication unit (28) is capable of communicating with the vehicle (12), characterized by , that the vehicle key (10) has a signaling device (28). [2] Vehicle key according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device (28) can be controlled by the vehicle (12). [3] Vehicle key according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling device (28) can be controlled by the control unit (14) of the vehicle key (10). [4] Vehicle key according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling device (28) is configured to signal mechanically, acoustically and / or optically. [5] Vehicle key according to claim 4, wherein the signaling device (28) is configured to emit a vibration, a sound and / or a flash of light. [6] Method for signaling the status of a vehicle (12) with an RKE system, wherein the RKE system includes, in addition to the vehicle (12), at least one vehicle key (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - Transmission of status information and / or signaling information from the vehicle to the vehicle key (S1); - Signaling the status by the signaling device in the vehicle key (S2). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the signaling comprises assigning the status to a signaling type of the signaling device. [8] Method according to one of claims 6-7, comprising the steps: - Receiving a command from the vehicle key by the vehicle; - Check if the command requires feedback to the vehicle key. [9] Method according to any one of claims 6-8, comprising the step of: determining a change in a status and / or executing a command with status feedback [10] Method according to one of claims 6-9, wherein the transmission of status information and / or signaling information to several connected vehicle keys can take place simultaneously.

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