Method and device for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal and a motor vehicle, as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device (20) and a motor vehicle (10), wherein the method comprises: detecting an approach of a user terminal device (20) to a motor vehicle (10), wherein the user terminal device (20) comprises a digital access key for the motor vehicle (10), and prioritizing a wireless data connection between the user terminal device (20) and the motor vehicle (10) over other devices (30, 40) in response to the approach.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle with such a device.

[0002] For example, a system for data exchange between at least one vehicle and at least one mobile device is known from the publication DE 10 2014 203 060 A1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved method and an improved device for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and a motor vehicle.

[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 prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and a motor vehicle comprises the steps of detecting an approach of a user terminal device to a motor vehicle, wherein the user terminal device comprises a digital access key for the motor vehicle, and prioritizing a wireless data connection between the user terminal device and the motor vehicle over other devices in response to the approach.

[0006] A second aspect of a method according to the invention for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and a motor vehicle comprises the steps of detecting a stop action of a motor vehicle and prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and the motor vehicle over other devices in response to the stop action, wherein the user terminal device comprises a digital access key for the motor vehicle.

[0007] Two distinct aspects are described that are not mutually exclusive, but rather coexist and may complement each other, and which, in particular, solve the same technical problem. Specifically, the two aspects of the procedure can occur sequentially, with the first aspect preceding the second. Specifically, the second aspect can follow the first in such a way that the detection of a stop action of the vehicle occurs after or in response to the prioritization, the detection of a start action, and / or the cancellation of the prioritization according to the first aspect.

[0008] Both aspects of the inventive method serve in particular to make a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and a motor vehicle, for which the user terminal device has a digital access key, preferable to other devices, especially for the duration of a functional interaction between the user terminal device and the motor vehicle.

[0009] Both aspects of the procedure serve in particular to prevent other devices from interfering with and disrupting the wireless data connection between the vehicle and the user terminal, so that one or more functions cannot be performed, can only be performed to a limited extent or with a delay by the user terminal.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the process is initiated by the user's device approaching the vehicle, which triggers the prioritization. This aspect therefore specifically concerns access to the vehicle and starting it, particularly using the digital access key.

[0011] According to the second aspect, stopping the vehicle is the initial step in the process, triggering the prioritization. This aspect therefore specifically concerns stopping and exiting the vehicle, particularly using the digital access key.

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

[0013] According to the first aspect, this involves initially recording the approach of the user device to the motor vehicle.

[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 with respect to one or more motor vehicles, such as locking and / or unlocking one or more flaps and, in particular, also 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, such 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, as well as other functions, on the motor vehicle. The user device has, in particular, a digital access key, which is stored and / or processed, for example, and especially exclusively, in the secure module. The access key is valid and functional with respect to the motor vehicle, specifically at the time the procedure is carried out and / or during the approach step.

[0020] According to the invention, the approach of the user terminal device to the motor vehicle is first detected.

[0021] Approaching means moving closer to, and in particular entering, a predefined distance from the motor vehicle, such as approaching to within 50 m, 25 m, 15 m, 10 m, or 5 m of the vehicle. Specifically, approaching includes entering the range of one or more wireless transmitters / receivers, such as one or more Bluetooth transmitters, that are mounted on and / or enclosed by the motor vehicle.

[0022] The approach of the user terminal device to the motor vehicle can also be achieved in particular via triangulation and / or time-of-flight measurements between at least one or more transmitters / receivers of the motor vehicle and at least one or more transmitters / receivers of the user terminal device using one or more wireless communication standards.

[0023] In particular, one or more transmitters / receivers of the motor vehicle and one or more transmitters / receivers of the user's terminal device communicate regularly or periodically and exchange data and / or information, especially via one or more wireless communication protocols or standards, such as one or more of Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth low energy (LE), UWB, NFC, RFID and / or WLAN, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0024] Furthermore, in particular, the motor vehicle and / or the user device regularly or periodically records whether and to what extent the user device and the motor vehicle have approached each other.

[0025] In particular, the process is triggered or begins when the user device approaches the motor vehicle.

[0026] In a further step, in response to the approach, a wireless data connection between the user device and the vehicle is prioritized over other devices.

[0027] In particular, in response to the approach, a data connection between the user's terminal device and the motor vehicle is prioritized over at least one other device within range of the motor vehicle and / or within range of the user's terminal device.

[0028] Prioritization includes, in particular, giving preference to a wireless data connection between the user's terminal device and the vehicle over a wireless data connection between the user's terminal device and at least one other device and / or a wireless data connection between the vehicle and at least one other wireless device. Specifically, prioritizing the wireless data connection causes a posteriorization or reduction and / or less preference for one, and especially all, other wireless data connections with other wireless devices, particularly all wireless devices within range.

[0029] In particular, prioritizing a wireless data connection between the user's device and the vehicle involves assigning or granting a higher priority, greater bandwidth, and / or a higher bit rate compared to at least one other device or data connection between at least one other device and the vehicle and / or the user's device. Specifically, any prioritization, for example, of other devices between the user's device and / or the vehicle, that existed before or at the time of proximity detection is revoked and / or reversed, and only the data connection between the user's device and the vehicle is prioritized.

[0030] The data connection between the motor vehicle and the user terminal device, which is prioritized according to the invention, can then be used in particular for one or more of the functions described above and also for other functions, in particular using a digital access key, which are effected on the motor vehicle using the user terminal device.

[0031] In particular, the prioritized wireless data connection is the same data connection or wireless communication standard under which the other wireless data connections of the other devices, especially all other devices, communicate with the vehicle and / or the user's terminal device. Prioritization and posteriorization therefore occur specifically within the same communication standard.

[0032] The additional devices that are reset relative to the prioritized wireless data connection include, in particular, devices that were already wirelessly paired with, known to, and / or registered with the vehicle and / or the user's terminal device prior to or at the time the procedure is carried out. These additional devices may include, for example, wireless headphones, wireless tracking devices, and / or other terminal devices such as smart devices, especially smartphones. However, these additional devices do not include devices that possess a digital access key, particularly a valid one, for the vehicle in question. Specifically, these additional devices may possess a digital access key, for example, for another vehicle that is different from the vehicle in question, but not for this vehicle.

[0033] In particular, one or more, in particular all, wireless devices, especially exclusively those that do not have a digital access key for the motor vehicle, are posteriorized, in particular regardless of whether they are within range of the motor vehicle, for example only or exclusively because they have already been wirelessly paired with the motor vehicle, known to it and / or registered with it, or at least once.

[0034] In particular, several and especially all transmitters of the motor vehicle and / or several and especially all transmitters of the user terminal device can be prioritized for each other or for a data connection to be established or already established between them.

[0035] In particular, multiple and especially all user devices with a digital access key can be prioritized for a data connection with the vehicle. Specifically, the data connection that is prioritized over the other devices can be the same data connection that detected the approach of the user device and / or a different one, as will be explained later.

[0036] In particular, prioritization can prioritize both a data connection already existing at the time of approach or established by the approach between the user device and the vehicle, and a new data connection between the user device and the vehicle that is established or established only in response to the approach, which is established or opened only in response to the prioritization or at least simultaneously with it.

[0037] This first aspect of the method according to the invention makes it possible to prefer a wireless data connection between a user terminal device and a motor vehicle, for which the user terminal device has a digital access key, over other devices, particularly for the duration of a functional interaction between the user terminal device and the motor vehicle. In particular, this first aspect prevents other devices from interfering with and disrupting the wireless data connection between the motor vehicle and the user terminal device, thus preventing one or more functions that cannot be performed, can only be performed to a limited extent, or can be performed with a delay by the user terminal device.

[0038] First, further training courses focusing on the first aspect will be described, which can also apply equally or analogously to the second aspect, or can further develop it as well.

[0039] According to further training, the detection of an approach is done via a first wireless communication standard and the wireless data connection is established via a second wireless communication standard, which is different from the first wireless communication standard.

[0040] Thus, the detection of an approach is achieved via a first wireless communication standard, and the prioritized wireless data connection is established via a second wireless communication standard that differs from the first wireless communication standard.

[0041] In particular, the first wireless communication standard may use a different frequency, a different modulation method, a different bandwidth and / or a different bit rate than the first communication standard.

[0042] In particular, the first wireless communication standard is one of the aforementioned Bluetooth standards, especially Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), UWB, NFC, RFID and / or WLAN, and the second wireless communication standard is another of the aforementioned Bluetooth standards, especially Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), UWB, NFC, RFID and / or WLAN.

[0043] In particular, the first wireless communication standard includes or is based on Bluetooth, and in particular exclusively, the second wireless communication standard includes or is based on UWB (ultra-wideband). In other words, proximity is detected using Bluetooth, and a data connection based on UWB is prioritized.

[0044] This training enables particularly fast and flexible prioritization. Specifically, prioritization can be initiated via a channel or standard that is itself unaffected by the prioritization process. This allows for even faster prioritization.

[0045] According to further training, the procedure also includes the steps of detecting a start activation of the motor vehicle and removing the prioritization of the wireless data connection in response to the start activation.

[0046] A start activation of the motor vehicle is an action, in particular by a user, of the motor vehicle, who may also be a user of the user terminal device, which indicates a start of the motor vehicle.

[0047] This may include, for example, unlocking one or more flaps or doors of the motor vehicle, opening one or more flaps or doors of the motor vehicle, a user entering the interior of the motor vehicle, releasing or unlocking an immobilizer of the motor vehicle, starting an ignition and / or engine of the motor vehicle, engaging a gear and / or drive position of the motor vehicle and / or moving the motor vehicle.

[0048] In particular, the start activation is effected using the user's terminal device, or the start activation is a function of the motor vehicle that the user's terminal device enables or provides, especially using the digital access key. The start activation can be detected, in particular, via one or more suitable sensors and / or software.

[0049] The start action can be initiated, in particular, after or in response to the prioritization of the wireless data connection. Specifically, the wireless data connection is prioritized to ensure a smooth start action.

[0050] In response to the start command, the prioritization of the wireless data connection between the user device and the vehicle is then deactivated. Specifically, the prioritization is reversed, for example, to a state or prioritization as it existed before the proximity between the devices, the user device and / or the vehicle, was detected. In particular, the wireless data connection between the vehicle and the user device can also be de-prioritized or reset in response to the start command.

[0051] This training process allows prioritization to be reversed particularly efficiently, enabling other devices to revert to their previous prioritization. In particular, this minimizes any impact on the user experience with these other devices.

[0052] The second aspect of the method according to the invention will now be explained in detail, which can in particular follow on from the first aspect and its further developments and / or be carried out before the first aspect and its further developments.

[0053] First, a stop signal from a motor vehicle is recorded.

[0054] A stop action of the motor vehicle is an action, in particular by a user, of the motor vehicle, who may also be a user of the user terminal device, which indicates a stop of the motor vehicle.

[0055] This may include, for example, locking one or more flaps or doors of the motor vehicle, closing one or more flaps or doors of the motor vehicle, one or more users leaving the interior of the motor vehicle, activating or locking an immobilizer of the motor vehicle, stopping the ignition and / or engine of the motor vehicle, engaging a parking position and / or applying a parking brake of the motor vehicle.

[0056] In particular, the stop action is triggered using the user's terminal device, or the start action is a function of the vehicle that the user's terminal device enables or provides, especially using the digital access key. Alternatively, the stop action can also be detected without the user's terminal device, for example, by pressing a stop button in the vehicle. The stop action can be detected, in particular, via one or more suitable sensors and / or software.

[0057] The stop action is particularly important as the initial step for, or triggers, the second aspect of the procedure.

[0058] In response to the stop signal, a wireless data connection between a user device and the vehicle is prioritized over other devices, particularly those within range of the vehicle and / or the user device. The user device includes a valid digital access key for the vehicle.

[0059] Prioritizing the wireless data connection between the user device and the vehicle can be done, in particular, as previously described in connection with the first aspect and its further developments. Specifically, here too, several, and especially all, transceivers of the vehicle and / or several, and especially all, transceivers of the user device can be prioritized for each other or for a data connection to be established or already established between them.

[0060] In particular, what was previously written in connection with the first aspect and its further developments for detecting the approach of the user device also applies analogously to detecting the stop activation and / or to detecting the distance of the user device described below.

[0061] This aspect of the procedure also makes it possible to prioritize a wireless data connection between a user device and a motor vehicle, for which the user device has a digital access key, over other devices, particularly for the duration of a functional interaction between the user device and the motor vehicle. Specifically, this first aspect prevents other devices from interfering with and disrupting the wireless data connection between the motor vehicle and the user device, thus preventing one or more functions from being performed by the user device, or from being performed only to a limited extent or with a delay.

[0062] According to further training, the procedure also includes the steps of determining the distance of the user device from the motor vehicle and removing the prioritization of the wireless data connection in response to the distance.

[0063] Detecting the distance of the user device can be done in a manner analogous to the first aspect and its further developments for detecting the approach of the user device.

[0064] A distance means, in particular, moving away from and leaving a predefined distance from the motor vehicle, such as moving more than 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 25 m or 50 m away from the motor vehicle. Specifically, a distance includes moving out of the range of one or more wireless transmitters / receivers, such as one or more Bluetooth transmitters, that are mounted on and / or enclosed by the motor vehicle.

[0065] The removal of the user device is recorded, in particular after or in response to the detection of the stop action. Alternatively or additionally, the removal of the user device can also be recorded as a stop action, in particular as the sole or exclusive stop action.

[0066] The removal of the prioritization of the wireless data connection can be done in a manner analogous to the first aspect and its further developments.

[0067] This training also allows prioritization to be reversed particularly efficiently, so that the other devices can then revert to their previous prioritization. In particular, this minimizes any impact on the user experience with the other devices.

[0068] According to further training, the wireless data connection, which is prioritized, takes place via a first wireless communication standard, and the detection of the distance of the user device takes place via a second wireless communication standard, which is different from the first wireless communication standard.

[0069] The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to what was previously written in connection with the first aspect and its further development into the first and second wireless communication standards.

[0070] In particular, according to this training, the first wireless communication standard includes or is based on Bluetooth, and in particular exclusively, the second wireless communication standard includes or is based on UWB (ultra-wideband). In other words, proximity is detected using Bluetooth, and a data connection based on UWB is prioritized.

[0071] This training also enables particularly fast and flexible prioritization. Specifically, prioritization can be initiated via a channel or standard that is not itself affected by the prioritization process. This allows for even faster prioritization.

[0072] A further training course will now be explained, which can address or further develop both the first and second aspects.

[0073] According to further training, prioritization includes switching off a data connection between the motor vehicle and at least one other device within range of the motor vehicle and / or it includes switching off a data connection between the user terminal device and at least one other device within range of the user terminal device.

[0074] In this context, "shutdown" refers specifically to a temporary interruption of a wireless data connection between at least one other device and the vehicle and / or user device. Specifically, the wireless data connection with the other device is reset, and no further data is sent to or received from it. This shutdown can last as long as the prioritization is in effect or until it is lifted, as previously described.

[0075] This further training enables particularly efficient prioritization.

[0076] According to another aspect, a device for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal and a motor vehicle is specified.

[0077] The device comprises means configured to carry out a method according to one of the previously described embodiments, in particular according to the first and / or the second aspect. In particular, the device comprises one or more processor units for carrying out the previously described method. The device also specifically comprises a memory on which code is stored, in particular non-volatile code, which, when executed by a processor unit, causes the processor unit to carry out the previously described method.

[0078] In particular, the device may include at least one user terminal device and / or another device, form a system with it and / or interact with it to carry out the procedure described above.

[0079] According to a further aspect, a motor vehicle is specified. The motor vehicle has means for carrying out one or more embodiments of the previously described method. In particular, the motor vehicle has a previously described device. Specifically, all previously described method steps are carried out or at least effected by the motor vehicle alone, and in particular exclusively by the motor vehicle or its device.

[0080] Regarding the advantages of the device and the motor vehicle, as well as their further developments and advantages, reference is made to the advantages and further developments of the method explained above.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 device for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal and a motor vehicle.

[0083] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a method and a device 100 for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device 20 of a user 2 and a motor vehicle 10.

[0084] The device 100 is encompassed by the motor vehicle 10 and is designed to carry out the process steps described below.

[0085] The device 100 is designed to detect the approach of the user terminal device 20 to the motor vehicle 10.

[0086] The user terminal device 20 is shown as an example of a smartphone and includes a digital access key for the motor vehicle 10, with which it can trigger or cause one or more functions of the motor vehicle, such as unlocking the doors.

[0087] The device 100 is also configured to prioritize a wireless data connection between the user terminal device 20 and the motor vehicle 10 over other devices 30, 40 in response to approach. These other devices are shown here by way of example as another user terminal device 30 belonging to a different user 3 who is not a user of the motor vehicle 10 and which does not include a digital access key for the motor vehicle 10, and as a tracking device 40 inside the motor vehicle 10.

[0088] The detection of an approach is done via a first wireless communication standard, in particular Bluetooth, and the wireless data connection is established via a second wireless communication standard, which is different from the first wireless communication standard, for example UWB.

[0089] The device 100 is also designed to detect a start operation of the motor vehicle 10, which is carried out in particular using the user terminal device 20 and the digital access key included therein.

[0090] The device 100 is also designed to cancel the prioritization of the wireless data connection in response to the start action.

[0091] The device 100 is also configured to detect a stop action of the motor vehicle 10 and to prioritize the wireless data connection between the user terminal device 20 and the motor vehicle 10 over the other devices 30, 40 in response to the stop action.

[0092] The device 100 is also designed to detect the distance of the user terminal device 20 from the motor vehicle 10 and, in response, to cancel the prioritization of the wireless data connection.

[0093] The detection of the distance to the user device, like the detection of proximity, is carried out via the second wireless communication standard, in particular UWB.

[0094] Prioritization may involve switching off a data connection between the motor vehicle 10 and at least the other device 40 within range of the motor vehicle 10 and / or switching off a data connection between the user terminal 20 and at least the other device 30 within range of the user terminal 20. Reference symbol list 2 users 3 users 10 motor vehicle 20 User terminal 30 device, user device 40 device, tracking device 100 Device 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 2014 203 060 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device (20) and a motor vehicle (10), comprising: - Detecting the approach of a user terminal device (20) to a motor vehicle (10), wherein the user terminal device (20) includes a digital access key for the motor vehicle (10); and - Prioritizing a wireless data connection between the user terminal (20) and the motor vehicle (10) over other devices (30, 40) in response to the detected proximity. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the detection of an approach is carried out via a first wireless communication standard and the wireless data connection is via a second wireless communication standard which is different from the first wireless communication standard. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the first wireless communication standard comprises Bluetooth. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second wireless communication standard comprises UWB. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Detection of a start operation of the motor vehicle (10); and - Disabling the prioritization of the wireless data connection in response to the start button press. [6] Method for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device (20) and a motor vehicle (10), in particular a method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: - Detection of a stop application of a motor vehicle (10); and - Prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal (20) and the motor vehicle (10) over other devices (30, 40) in response to the stop action, wherein the user terminal (20) includes a digital access key for the motor vehicle (10). [7] Method according to claim 6, more comprehensively: - Determining the distance of the user terminal device (20) from the motor vehicle (10); and - Disabling the prioritization of the wireless data connection based on distance. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the wireless data connection is made via a first wireless communication standard and the detection of a distance of the user terminal device is made via a second wireless communication standard which is different from the first wireless communication standard. [9] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein prioritizing comprises switching off a data connection between the motor vehicle (10) and at least one other device (40) within range of the motor vehicle (10) and / or switching off a data connection between the user terminal device (20) and at least one other device (30) within range of the user terminal device (20). [10] Device (100) for prioritizing a wireless data connection between a user terminal device (20) and a motor vehicle (10), wherein the device (100) comprises means for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Motor vehicle (10) comprising a device according to claim 10.

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