Method and device for locating a motor vehicle at a parking location using a user terminal device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for locating a motor vehicle (10) using a user terminal device (20) at a parking location (3), the method comprising: capturing a localization request at the user terminal device (20) to locate the motor vehicle (10), providing the localization request to a wireless transceiver (205), providing the localization request from the wireless transceiver (201) to the motor vehicle (10), providing a localization response from the motor vehicle (10) to the wireless transceiver (201), providing the localization response from the wireless transceiver (205) to the user terminal device (20), estimating a localization of the motor vehicle (10) based on the localization response at the user terminal device (20), and outputting the estimated localization at the user terminal device (20) to a user (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for locating a motor vehicle at a parking location using a user terminal device.

[0002] For example, the publication DE 10 2015 223 342 A1 specifies a method for operating an authorization device for a vehicle, which is designed for initial communication with the vehicle and has a tracking unit designed for determining the current location of the authorization device.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved method and an improved device for locating a motor vehicle at a parking location using a user terminal device.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] A first aspect of a method according to the invention for localizing a motor vehicle at a parking location using a user terminal device comprises the steps of capturing a localization request at a user terminal device to locate a motor vehicle, providing the localization request to a wireless transceiver, providing the localization request from the wireless transceiver to the motor vehicle, providing a localization response from the motor vehicle to the wireless transceiver, providing the localization response from the wireless transceiver to the user terminal device, estimating a localization of the motor vehicle based on the localization response at the user terminal device, and outputting the estimated localization at the user terminal device for a user.

[0006] A second aspect of a method according to the invention for localizing a motor vehicle at a parking location using a user terminal device comprises the steps of detecting a parking operation of the motor vehicle, providing a localization message from the motor vehicle to a wireless transmitter / receiver, detecting a localization request at a user terminal device to locate a motor vehicle, providing the localization request to a wireless transmitter / receiver, providing the localization response from the wireless transmitter / receiver to the user terminal device, estimating a localization of the motor vehicle based on the localization response at the user terminal device, and outputting the estimated localization at the user terminal device to a user.

[0007] Two different aspects are described that do not exclude each other or exist side by side and may complement each other, and which in particular solve the same technical task.

[0008] Both aspects of the method according to the invention serve, in particular, to locate a motor vehicle parked at a parking location using a user device. Specifically, the method serves to quickly and easily locate a motor vehicle in a large and confusing parking lot.

[0009] Both aspects of the procedure serve in particular to locate a motor vehicle in a parking garage, especially an underground parking garage, where wireless internet access, in particular a mobile communication standard such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or another wireless communication standard such as WiFi or WLAN, and / or a global positioning signal such as GPS, is not available or only poorly available at the location of the motor vehicle and / or the user or the user's device due to the infrastructure, and communication between the user's device and the motor vehicle and / or localization of the motor vehicle and / or the user's device is not readily possible without further intermediary transmitters / receivers for the purpose of finding the vehicle.

[0010] According to the first aspect, a location request, for example from a user, is the initial step in the process, thus initiating the localization of the searched vehicle. The process, or rather its participants, only know or recognize the vehicle's position during the course of the process.

[0011] According to the second aspect, localization already occurs automatically in the background and is initiated by parking or controlling the parking of the vehicle. The system, or rather the majority of the participants, especially the wireless transmitter(s), already know the vehicle's position at the beginning of the process or immediately after parking, but only disclose this information to the user's device upon request.

[0012] First, the first aspect will be explained in detail.

[0013] According to the first aspect, a localization request is initially recorded on a user device, indicating that a localization of the motor vehicle is desired.

[0014] A user terminal device is a device or apparatus designed to receive operating inputs, user input and / or user commands and to communicate with a motor vehicle, in particular to provide these operating inputs to the motor vehicle and thereby trigger functions on the motor vehicle.

[0015] In particular, the user terminal device is a portable or mobile device different from a motor vehicle, which may be designed as a so-called smart device, i.e., a device with at least one processor, such as a smartphone, a phablet or a tablet, a smart watch, smart glasses and / or a wearable, which also provides other functions, such as making phone calls, surfing the internet or providing messaging services, for example through apps or programs.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the user terminal device can also be designed as a proprietary device, such as a physical key, a fob and / or a radio remote control, which is designed to perform, or at least effect or support, only the steps described here in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0017] In particular, the user terminal device is designed to trigger or perform one or more functions relating to the motor vehicle, such as locking and / or unlocking one or more flaps and, in particular, actively opening and / or closing one or more flaps, as well as releasing an immobilizer, starting an engine and / or moving the motor vehicle.

[0018] Such functions or interactions with the motor vehicle, particularly those enabling access to, control of, and / or movement of the vehicle, can also be referred to as safe and / or secured functions and are supported or implemented in the user device by a secure module. Such a secure module can contain both hardware components, for example, a secure processor and / or a secure memory area, and software components, for example, one or more apps or programs, that interact together.

[0019] For this purpose, at least one user device is typically paired with the motor vehicle, so that the user device is known to the motor vehicle, registered with it, and / or, in particular, authorized to perform or initiate the functions described above and also other functions on the motor vehicle. Specifically, the user device(s) have a digital access key for this purpose, which is stored and / or processed, for example, and in particular exclusively, in the secure module.

[0020] The motor vehicle and the user terminal device may also include one or more wireless transceivers designed to receive data or information from each other and / or to provide it to each other.

[0021] The localization request can, in particular, be a user input from the user of the user device, who is also the driver or user of the motor vehicle that is to be located using the procedure.

[0022] In particular, a location request can be made via touch operation on the user's device's touchscreen. Alternatively or additionally, a physical button or switch on the user's device can be used to indicate a location request. Alternatively or additionally, voice and / or gesture input can be received on the user's device indicating a location request from the user.

[0023] However, the localization request can also be made or received automatically and / or without user intervention, as will be explained later.

[0024] The localization request can be, in particular, the initial step for the method according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, however, a different sequence of process steps can also be carried out, as will be explained later.

[0025] In a further step, in particular in a subsequent step or in response to the capture of the localization request, the localization request is provided to at least one wireless transmitter / receiver.

[0026] The location request is thus forwarded from the user's device to at least one wireless transmitter / receiver. The location request can include, in particular, a unique identifier for the vehicle being searched for, such as a serial number, a chassis number, and / or a digital key, especially a digital access key, as will be explained later.

[0027] In particular, the location request from the user's terminal device to at least one wireless transceiver can also include further information, especially regarding the user's terminal device and, in particular, its position. Specifically, the location request can also include initial location information, such as which and / or how many wireless transceivers are within range of the user's terminal device at the time the location request is received and / or provided, and especially the signal strength with which they are received.

[0028] A wireless transceiver, which can also be called a receiver, is a device that can wirelessly both receive and transmit data. Specifically, at least one wireless transceiver, and in particular several and / or all wireless transceivers, is configured to receive a location request, for example from the user's terminal device and / or from another wireless transceiver; to provide a received location request, for example to the vehicle being searched for and / or another wireless transceiver; to receive a location response, for example from the vehicle being searched for and / or from another wireless transceiver; and to provide a received location response, for example to the user's terminal device and / or another wireless transceiver, as will be explained further below.

[0029] In particular, several such wireless transceivers can be provided, for example, at regular intervals and / or randomly distributed. Specifically, they can be located on multiple floors of a parking garage, a parking lot, and / or within a parking area, for example, in a city center. In particular, the user's terminal device can send the location request to several such transceivers, especially all transceivers within range.

[0030] The wireless transceiver(s) are separate, isolated, and spaced apart from the user's terminal device and the vehicle being searched for. In particular, the wireless transceiver(s) have their own independent power supply. Specifically, before the procedure is carried out, especially the first time, the wireless transceiver(s) are not connected to the vehicle and / or the user's terminal device and / or have not yet exchanged any data or information with each other.

[0031] Communication, specifically the sending and / or receiving of a location request and / or the sending and / or receiving of a location response, between the user's device, at least one and possibly additional wireless transmitters / receivers, and the vehicle being searched for can be carried out, in particular, via a wireless near-field or short-range communication protocol. Specifically, the communication described above takes place via Bluetooth, especially Bluetooth LE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and / or UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

[0032] In particular, this communication between the user's terminal device, at least one and possibly additional wireless transmitters / receivers, and the vehicle being searched for does not take place via a mobile communication standard such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or via another wireless communication standard such as a far-field or long-range communication protocol such as WiFi or WLAN, and / or via a global positioning signal such as GPS, but exclusively via a wireless near-field or short-range communication protocol.

[0033] In particular, the vehicle is parked so far away from the user's device that direct communication between the two devices via a near-field or short-range communication standard is not possible, especially due to signal strength or range limitations. Therefore, at least one, and in particular several, transceivers are used to relay the location request from the user's device to the vehicle.

[0034] The at least one transmitter / receiver can then forward the location request previously received from the user's device, particularly in response to the transmission of the location request, to one or more further transmitters / receivers, specifically all other transmitters / receivers within range of the transmitter / receiver. In particular, in a specific case, the vehicle may already be within range of the first transmitter / receiver or parked, so that it can then receive the location request directly from the first transmitter / receiver, i.e., using only a single transmitter / receiver.Otherwise, the location request will be received by at least one other, second sender receiver, and this receiver can then make this location request available again to at least one other sender receiver, in particular all sender receivers, until the searched vehicle has received the location request.

[0035] In particular, the localization request from the wireless transceiver to the vehicle and / or to the other wireless transceivers may also include further information, especially regarding the first transceiver and, in particular, its position. Specifically, the localization request may already include further localization information, such as which and / or how many wireless transceivers are within range of the wireless transceiver at the time the localization request is received and / or sent, and especially the signal strength with which they are received.

[0036] The vehicle can then, particularly in response to the received location request, provide a location response to at least one transmitter / receiver, in particular several, and furthermore, in particular all wireless transmitters / receivers within range of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can also provide the location response to the first or only transmitter / receiver, in particular the transmitter / receiver from which the vehicle received the location request.

[0037] The localization response from the vehicle to the wireless transmitter(s) can also include further information, particularly regarding the vehicle and especially its position. Specifically, the localization response can already include further localization information, such as which and / or how many wireless transmitters are within range of the vehicle at the time the localization request is received and / or the localization response is sent, and especially the signal strength with which they are received.

[0038] The previously received localization response, particularly in response to the provision of the localization response, can then be forwarded by at least one wireless transceiver to, for example, one or more further transceivers, in particular all further transceivers within range of the transceiver. In particular, in a specific case, the user terminal may be within range of the first transceiver, so that it can then receive the localization response directly from the first transceiver, i.e., using only a single transceiver. Otherwise, the localization response is received by at least one further, second transceiver, and this transceiver can then provide this localization response again to at least one further transceiver, in particular all transceivers, until the user terminal has received the localization response.

[0039] The localization response from the wireless transceiver to the user device and / or to the other wireless transceiver(s) can also include further information, particularly regarding the wireless transceiver and especially its position. Specifically, the localization response can also include further localization information, such as which and / or how many other wireless transceivers are within range of the wireless transceiver at the time of receiving and / or providing the localization response, and especially the signal strength at which they are received.

[0040] The location of the vehicle's parking spot is then at least estimated based on the localization response from the user's device.

[0041] In particular, the user terminal is designed to derive or estimate the parking location from the localization response, especially based on the localization information provided by the user terminal, the motor vehicle and / or the wireless transceiver(s) as part of the localization request and / or the localization response, or the localization response already contains the parking location or information indicating it.

[0042] The parking location or localization of the vehicle is estimated with sufficient accuracy, for example to 50 m, 25 m, 10 m, 5 m, 2 m, 1 m, or more precisely. In particular, the estimated localization can also include a route or path to the vehicle, both horizontally (i.e., left, right, straight ahead, and / or backwards) and vertically (i.e., whether and, in particular, how many floors up or down the vehicle was located).

[0043] This estimated location of the vehicle's parking location is displayed to the user on the user's terminal device.

[0044] This can be done, for example, on a screen, especially a touchscreen, and / or using voice output on the user's device. The estimated localization provided can also include the previously determined route or path and, in particular, guide a user of the device to the parked vehicle using navigation instructions, for example, in text or voice form and / or using arrows and pictograms.

[0045] In particular, all steps of the first aspect are carried out in immediate succession. Specifically, all procedural steps described in connection with the first aspect are performed within 5 min, 2 min, 1 min, 30 s, 15 s or less, and in particular without any further intermediate steps, except for repetition for additional wireless transceivers.

[0046] The first aspect of the method according to the invention makes it possible to locate a motor vehicle parked at a parking location using a user device. In particular, the method serves to quickly and easily locate a motor vehicle in a large and confusing parking lot.

[0047] According to further training, the procedure further includes the step of detecting a vehicle shutdown operation, whereby the provision of the localization response from the vehicle to the wireless transceiver takes place after the detection of the shutdown operation.

[0048] First, the system records the vehicle's parking operation. A parking operation is defined as an action by a user that indicates the vehicle is being or has been parked.

[0049] The recording of the parking operation takes place at the parking location or where the vehicle is parked. Such a parking operation can include, for example, switching off the engine, engaging a parking position, applying a handbrake, closing a driver's door, especially after previously opening it, the driver exiting the vehicle, and / or locking the vehicle.

[0050] The vehicle can be switched off by the vehicle itself, and in particular by suitable sensors on the vehicle.

[0051] The localization response from the vehicle to the wireless transceiver occurs after the vehicle has detected the shutdown command. Specifically, a shutdown command is detected first, and then the localization response is provided by the vehicle to at least one wireless transceiver.

[0052] In particular, the shutdown operation can trigger the method according to the invention or comprise the first step of the method. Specifically, the detection of the shutdown operation is the initial step for the method, followed by the subsequent steps, particularly in the sequence described above, beginning with the detection of the localization request on the user's terminal device.

[0053] In particular, the provision of the localization response from the motor vehicle to the at least one transmitter / receiver only occurs if a parking operation has been recorded and, in particular, not if, since the recording of a parking operation and before the provision of the localization response and / or before the recording of a localization request, a start condition has already been recorded which includes an operation by a user indicating that the motor vehicle is no longer parked or has been moved away from the parking location.

[0054] The recording of the parking operation does not occur immediately before the recording of the location request, but rather at least 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 2 hours, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, or later after the recording of the parking condition. Specifically, the recording of the parking operation occurs at the time the vehicle is parked, and the recording of the location request occurs at the time the user returns to the vehicle, for example, because they have parked the vehicle for shopping, an overnight stay, or a flight.

[0055] This advanced training makes it possible to locate the vehicle with particular precision.

[0056] The second aspect, and in particular its differences from the first, will now be explained in detail. Specifically, according to the second aspect, a location message from the vehicle is provided to at least one wireless transmitter / receiver, which can trigger the procedure or the procedure sequence. However, the procedure according to the second aspect lacks a location request from at least one wireless transmitter / receiver, or rather, this request is rendered obsolete by the vehicle's location message. It can, however, still be made optionally.

[0057] According to the second aspect, the operation of the parking function of the motor vehicle in question is recorded first.

[0058] This can be done as before within the framework of the first aspect and is in particular also the initial step of the procedure according to the second aspect.

[0059] Then, particularly in response to the detection of the parking / stationary operation, a localization message is provided from the motor vehicle to at least one wireless transmitter / receiver.

[0060] The localization message can be provided by the vehicle to the wireless transceiver, in particular in accordance with the localization response described in connection with the first aspect. Specifically, the localization message is similar to or identical to the localization response in terms of its nature and scope, especially with regard to communication protocols and / or content. The localization message can also be referred to as a localization response or be structured identically.

[0061] In particular, the location message from the motor vehicle to the at least one wireless transmitter / receiver includes further information, especially regarding the motor vehicle and, in particular, its position. Specifically, the location message may also already include further location information, such as which and / or how many wireless transmitters / receivers are within range of the motor vehicle at the time the location message is provided, and especially the signal strength with which they are receiving the signal.

[0062] The localization message is provided in particular via a wireless near-field or short-range communication protocol to at least one transmitter / receiver and in particular also several, in particular all, wireless transmitters / receivers within range of the vehicle, for example Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth LE or Low Energy and / or UWB, Ultra Wide Band, as described above.

[0063] The location message is provided specifically only or exclusively in response to the recording of the shutdown condition. In particular, the location message or its content can be stored on at least one wireless transceiver and / or in a designated memory that is wirelessly and / or wired connected to one or more, in particular all, wireless transceivers, so that it can also be provided at a later time, in particular after receiving the location request from the user's terminal device, as will be explained below.

[0064] In a further step, a localization request is recorded on a user device in order to locate the vehicle.

[0065] This can be done in the same way as described above in connection with the first aspect.

[0066] In accordance with this aspect, the recording of the shutdown operation is not carried out immediately before the recording of the localization request, as described above.

[0067] In a further step, particularly in response to the capture of the localization request at the user's terminal device, the localization request is provided to a wireless transmitter / receiver.

[0068] This can be done in the same way as described above in connection with the first aspect.

[0069] In particular, the at least one transmitter / receiver can then forward the location request previously received from the user's terminal device, especially in response to the transmission of the location request, to one or more further transmitters / receivers, in particular all further transmitters / receivers within range of the transmitter / receiver, as previously described in connection with the first aspect. In particular, in a specific case, the first transmitter / receiver may already be the transmitter / receiver that received the location message and / or has access to it. Otherwise, the location request is received by at least one further, second transmitter / receiver, and this transmitter / receiver can then forward this location request again to at least one further wireless transmitter / receiver, in particular all wireless transmitters / receivers, until the wireless transmitter / receiver that received the location response and / or has access to it is found.

[0070] The location message previously received by the motor vehicle is then provided by at least one wireless transmitter / receiver to the user's terminal device, particularly in response to the provision of the location request.

[0071] The localization message can, in this step as well, be provided by the wireless transceiver to the user's terminal device in accordance with the localization response described in connection with the first aspect. In particular, the localization message is similar to or identical to the localization response in terms of its nature and scope, especially with regard to communication protocols and / or content. The localization message can, in this process step as well, be referred to as a localization response or be structured identically.

[0072] In particular, the localization message is retrieved from a memory by one or at least one wireless transmitter / receiver, or is provided from it, in order to then provide it to the user's terminal device.

[0073] In particular, according to this aspect, at least two, and especially exactly two, wireless transceivers can be used from a plurality of transceivers. A first wireless transceiver, located in particular within range or near the vehicle at the parking location, especially the closest one to it, especially at the time the location message is provided, can be used to receive the location message, from where this first wireless transceiver provides the location message or its content to a storage device. A second wireless transceiver, located in particular within range or near the user's terminal device, especially the closest one to it, especially at the time the location request is captured and / or at the entrance to the parking garage and / or parking lot, can be used to receive the location request.to receive, from where this second wireless transmitter-receiver provides the localization message or its content from a and especially the memory.

[0074] A localization of the motor vehicle is then estimated based on the localization response at the user terminal, and the estimated localization is provided to a user at the user terminal, as previously described in connection with the first aspect.

[0075] The second aspect of the method according to the invention also makes it possible to locate a motor vehicle parked at a parking location using a user device. In particular, the method serves to quickly and easily locate a motor vehicle in a large and confusing parking lot. This aspect is particularly forward-looking and provides a fast user experience.

[0076] The following describes further training courses that address both the first and second aspects of the procedure or can provide further training in both.

[0077] According to further training, the wireless transceiver is included in a vehicle.

[0078] At least one of the wireless transceivers may be located in a vehicle other than the motor vehicle. In particular, the vehicle's wireless transceiver is a wireless transceiver that also serves to provide one or more functions relating to the respective vehicle using an end device, in particular a device other than the user's end device.

[0079] In particular, the vehicle encompassing the transmitter-receiver is a similar or identical vehicle to the motor vehicle whose parking location or localization is determined according to the invention. Specifically, it is a vehicle of the same type, from the same manufacturer, or of the same brand as the motor vehicle.

[0080] The vehicle in question is, in particular, a vehicle parked or similarly parked in the vicinity and especially within range of the motor vehicle being sought, for example in the same parking lot or in the same parking garage.

[0081] In particular, all participating transmitters are encompassed by one or more vehicles, and specifically, no transmitter is encompassed by an infrastructure, as will be explained later. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that at least one of several participating transmitters is encompassed by a vehicle, and at least one of several participating transmitters is encompassed by an infrastructure.

[0082] This further training makes it possible to locate the motor vehicle in a particularly flexible manner and especially without infrastructure measures.

[0083] According to further training, the wireless transceiver is part of an infrastructure.

[0084] At least one of the wireless transceivers can be part of an infrastructure. An infrastructure is, in particular, an immobile object that may also be part of the parking area, parking lot, or parking garage. Specifically, the infrastructure may be a lamppost, a pillar, and / or an archway located near and / or forming part of the parking lot or parking garage. Specifically, it is a fixture that is permanently connected to the parking lot or parking garage and is also part of a building structure and / or permanently attached to it.

[0085] In particular, at least one wireless transmitter / receiver is permanently located at or near an entrance for the motor vehicle and / or an entrance for the user to the parking lot or parking garage.

[0086] In particular, all participating transmitters / receivers are encompassed by one or more infrastructures, and specifically, no transmitter is encompassed by a vehicle. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that at least one of several participating transmitters / receivers is encompassed by a vehicle, and at least one of several participating transmitters / receivers is encompassed by an infrastructure.

[0087] In particular, according to the second aspect, at least one and especially at least two of the wireless transmitters / receivers are included by an infrastructure, especially together with a memory in which the localization message can be stored, as previously described.

[0088] This advanced training makes it possible to locate the motor vehicle particularly reliably and especially without the use of other vehicles.

[0089] According to further training, the localization request, the localization message and / or the localization response includes a digital access key for the motor vehicle.

[0090] A digital access key is a key with which a user or a user device can trigger functions relating to the motor vehicle, in particular locking and / or unlocking of flaps or doors and / or an immobilizer, as described above.

[0091] The digital access key can be part of the localization request, the localization response, or the localization message. In particular, the digital access key is included in the localization information, as described above.

[0092] In particular, the user terminal is a device used to trigger one or more functions related to the motor vehicle, or is regularly used in connection with the functions of the motor vehicle in question. Specifically, the user terminal is coupled to the motor vehicle, such that the user terminal is known to the motor vehicle, registered with it, and / or specifically authorized to perform or initiate the aforementioned functions and other functions on the motor vehicle, as described above.

[0093] This advanced training makes it possible to locate the motor vehicle in a particularly safe and reliable manner, thereby also preventing misuse.

[0094] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of detecting an approach of the user device to the parking location, whereby the detection of the localization request on the user device takes place in response to the detection of the approach.

[0095] An approach means drawing near and, in particular, entering a distance, especially a predefined one, from the parking location and, in particular, from at least one wireless transmitter / receiver at the parking location, such as approaching to within 50 m, 25 m, 15 m, 10 m or 5 m. Specifically, an approach includes entering the range of at least one or more of the wireless transmitters / receivers at the parking location.

[0096] In particular, the approach includes approaching a wireless transceiver located at an entrance to the parking garage or parking lot where the vehicle is parked. Specifically, the approach does not include approaching the vehicle itself, as the vehicle remains, for example, outside the range of the user's device.

[0097] In response to the detection of the approach, in particular exclusively, the location request can then be recorded on the motor vehicle and / or the location request can be provided to at least one transmitter / receiver, in particular the transmitter / receiver on which the approach was detected.

[0098] Detecting the approach can be, in particular, an initial step of the process, especially of the first aspect, or it can trigger the process.

[0099] This training will enable the vehicle to be located particularly quickly and efficiently.

[0100] According to a training course, the localization request is recorded without user input.

[0101] The localization request is thus automatically and, in particular, without any action or activation by the user, captured by the user's terminal device and, in particular, also provided to the at least one wireless transmitter / receiver without any further action.

[0102] In particular, the capture of the localization request and / or the provision of the localization request to the wireless transceiver takes place in response to or based on the detected proximity.

[0103] This training will make it possible to locate the vehicle in a particularly comfortable and efficient manner.

[0104] According to another aspect, a device is specified which includes means to carry out or at least effect an embodiment of the previously described method.

[0105] In particular, the device comprises one or more processor units for carrying out the method described above. The device also specifically comprises a memory on which code, particularly non-volatile code, is stored, which, when executed by a processor unit, causes the processor unit to carry out the method described above.

[0106] In particular, the device may include the user terminal equipment, the motor vehicle, one or more wireless transceivers, one or more storage devices, one or more other vehicles and / or the infrastructure, form a system with it and / or interact with it to carry out the procedure described above.

[0107] Further features of the invention will become apparent 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 in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0108] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 A schematic view of an embodiment of a method and a device for locating a motor vehicle at a parking location using a user terminal device.

[0109] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a method and a device 1 for locating a motor vehicle 10 using a user terminal device 20 at a parking location 3.

[0110] The device 1 is designed to cooperate with the motor vehicle 10, a user terminal device 20 of a user 2 and several wireless transceivers 100, 130, 140, 160 as well as 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205 and to carry out or effect the following steps of the procedure.

[0111] As an example, parking location 3 is shown here as a floor in a multi-story car park with several parking spaces, located primarily underground where no mobile phone or GPS reception is possible. This parking location encompasses the entire car park and is distinct from, or rather includes, the actual position where vehicle 10 is parked.

[0112] For example, seven of the eight possible parking spaces on the floor are occupied, in this case by the vehicle 10 itself, which is to be located or found using the method or device and the user terminal 20, as well as six other vehicles 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. The vehicle itself has a wireless transceiver 100 as well as the user terminal 20, which is not shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0113] Of the remaining vehicles, only the third vehicle (13), the fourth vehicle (14), and the sixth vehicle (16) are equipped with a wireless transceiver. In addition, a total of five transceivers (201, 202, 203, 204, and 205) are provided in the infrastructure of parking location 3. The first four are arranged at regular intervals on pillars of the parking garage, and a fifth transceiver (205) is located at a user entrance to the parking garage.

[0114] When user 2 enters the parking garage, the steps described below can be carried out.

[0115] First, the approach of user 2 and user device 20 to parking location 3 is detected, for example because he is approaching the entrance and thus the wireless transmitter / receiver 205.

[0116] A localization request is then recorded on the user device 20, which aims to locate the vehicle 10 of user 2 in the parking garage.

[0117] The localization request is then sent to all wireless transceivers within range of user device 2. In this case, these are wireless transceiver 203 of the infrastructure, wireless transceiver 205 of the infrastructure, wireless transceiver 140 of vehicle 14, and wireless transceiver 160 of vehicle 16.

[0118] Since the vehicle 10 being searched for is not within range of the reached wireless receivers, these receivers forward the location request to the wireless receivers that are within range. For example, wireless receiver 203 forwards the location request to wireless receiver 201 of the infrastructure, wireless receiver 140 also forwards it to wireless receiver 201, and wireless receiver 160 forwards it to wireless receiver 130 of vehicle 13 as well as to wireless receiver 202 of the infrastructure.

[0119] These transmitters, now reached in the second stage, in turn send the localization request to wireless transmitters within range, such as wireless transmitter 202 to wireless transmitter 130 and vice versa, and wireless transmitter 201 to the sought-after vehicle 10 or its wireless transmitter 100.

[0120] The motor vehicle 10 responds by providing a localization response, in this case to the only transmitter receiver 201 within range, which then provides this localization response to the user terminal 20 via the wireless transmitter receivers 140 and 205.

[0121] The user terminal then estimates the location of the motor vehicle 10 based on the received localization response and outputs it to user 2.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the following steps can be carried out: First, the operation to stop the motor vehicle 10 by user 2 is recorded.

[0123] In response to the shutdown command, the motor vehicle 10 provides a localization message to all wireless transmitters within range, in this case only wireless transmitter 201.

[0124] This wireless transceiver 201 provides the received localization message to a central memory 4, to which it is wired.

[0125] User 2 leaves the vehicle 10 and parking location 3 during this time and returns after a while.

[0126] When the user enters the parking garage and thus approaches the wireless transceiver 205, a location request is received by the user's terminal device 20, which aims to locate the vehicle 10 belonging to user 2 in the parking garage. This occurs, in particular, without any action or user input from user 2 and solely in response to the approach.

[0127] The localization request is then sent to the wireless transceiver 205 at the input, which is also wired to the central storage 4.

[0128] From this memory, the previously stored localization message is then provided to the wireless transmitter / receiver 205 and from there to the user terminal 20.

[0129] The user terminal then estimates the location of the motor vehicle 10 based on the received localization response and outputs it to user 2. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 users 3 Parking location 4 storage 10 motor vehicle 11 vehicles 12 vehicles 13 vehicles 14 vehicles 15 vehicles 16 vehicles 20 User terminal 100 wireless transceivers 130 wireless transceiver 140 wireless transceiver 160 wireless transceiver 201 wireless transceiver 202 wireless transceiver 203 wireless transceiver 204 wireless transceiver 205 wireless transceiver QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2015 223 342 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for locating a motor vehicle (10) using a user terminal device (20) at a parking location (3), comprising: - Capturing a location request on a user terminal device (20) to locate a motor vehicle (10); - Providing the location request to a wireless transceiver (205); - Providing the localization request from the wireless transceiver (201) to the motor vehicle (10); - Providing a localization response from the motor vehicle (10) to the wireless transceiver (201); - Providing the localization response from the wireless transceiver (205) to the user terminal (20); - Estimating the localization of the motor vehicle (10) based on the localization response at the user terminal device (20); and - Outputting the estimated localization to the user terminal device (20) for a user (2). [2] Method according to claim 1, more comprehensively: - Recording a vehicle parking operation (10); wherein the provision of the localization response from the motor vehicle (10) to the wireless transceiver (205) takes place after the detection of the shutdown operation. [3] Method for locating a motor vehicle (10) using a user terminal device (20) at a parking location (3), comprising: - Recording a parking operation of a motor vehicle (10); - Providing a localization message from the motor vehicle (10) to a wireless transceiver (201); - Capturing a localization request on a user terminal device (20) in order to locate the motor vehicle (10); - Providing the location request to a wireless transceiver (205); - Providing the location message from the wireless transceiver (205) to the user terminal (20); - Estimating the localization of the motor vehicle (10) based on the localization response at the user terminal device (20); and - Outputting the estimated localization to the user terminal device (20) for a user (3). [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver (130) is comprised of a vehicle (13). [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless transceiver (201) is comprised of an infrastructure. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the localization request, the localization message and / or the localization response comprises a digital access key for the motor vehicle (10). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, more comprehensively: - Detecting the approach of the user terminal device (20) to the parking location (3); wherein the detection of the localization request on the user terminal device (20) occurs in response to the detection of the proximity. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the localization request is captured without user input. [9] Device (1) for locating a motor vehicle (10) using a user terminal device (20), wherein the device (1) comprises means configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims.

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