Communication arrangement and procedure for operating a communication arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication arrangement (1) comprising as a first communication partner a vehicle key (2) for a motor vehicle with a key-side communication means (3), a key-side control unit (4), a key-side output means (6) and a key-side operating device (5) and as a second communication partner a mobile device (8) with a mobile device-side communication means (10), a mobile device-side control unit (11), a mobile device-side output means (14) and a mobile device-side operating device (13), wherein the communication means (3, 10) are configured to establish a communication connection (16) between the vehicle key (2) and the mobile device (8), wherein in the respective control units (4, 11) coupling information is stored such that the communication link (16) between the communication means (3, 10) is established by both Control units (4, 11) can be set up, with both control units (4, 11) being configured: - when a control signal indicating a predetermined user input via the operating device (5, 13) of the respective communication partner is present, a signaling request is sent via the communication link (16) to the respective other control unit (4, 11), and - upon receiving a signaling request, to control the output device (6, 14) of the respective receiving communication partner to output an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic signaling signal that facilitates the finding of the receiving communication partner by a searching person (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a communication arrangement comprising, as the first communication partner, a vehicle key for a motor vehicle with a key-side communication means, a key-side control unit, a key-side output means, and a key-side operating device, and as the second communication partner, a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone, with a mobile-device-side communication means, a mobile-device-side control unit, a mobile-device-side output means, and a mobile-device-side operating device, wherein the communication means are configured to establish a communication connection between the vehicle key and the mobile device. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a communication arrangement.

[0002] Car keys for actively or passively unlocking a vehicle are small items that can easily get lost. However, this risk also applies to a variety of other everyday objects, particularly mobile devices such as smartphones or other mobile phones. Therefore, solutions for locating small objects have already been proposed in the prior art. These solutions often rely on communication units attached to the object, such as so-called "tags," whose communication signal can be received by a variety of other devices capable of determining its position. This position, along with an identifier for the object, is then reported to a server, where it can be retrieved by an authorized person. One example of such a method is known as "AirTag."

[0003] A system for locating a vehicle key is described in US 2018 / 0096584 A1. It includes a vehicle key locator that sends an alarm request message to a vehicle key device in response to a user-generated alarm request. The targeted vehicle key device then generates a vibration or sound upon receiving the alarm request message from the locator. To ensure that a vehicle key knows it has been addressed, the alarm request message contains unique identification information for the addressed vehicle key.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved communication concept for locating a vehicle key, allowing for additional functions and simplified operation.

[0005] To solve this problem, in a communication arrangement of the type mentioned above, the invention provides that coupling information is stored in each of the respective control units in such a way that the communication link between the communication means can be established by both control units, wherein both control units are configured as follows: - to send a signaling request via the communication link to the other control unit when a control signal indicating a predetermined user input via the operating device of the respective communication partner is present, and - upon receiving a signaling request, to control the output device of the respective receiving communication partner to output an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic signaling signal that facilitates the location of the receiving communication partner by a searching person.

[0006] It is therefore proposed to establish a pairing between the vehicle key and the mobile device, so that they are permanently assigned to each other and can establish a communication connection at any time, without further effort, whenever the communication partners are within range of each other. This mutually fixed assignment makes it possible, in the communication arrangement according to the invention, not only to locate the vehicle key using the mobile device, but also to locate the mobile device using the vehicle key. Due to the unambiguous mutual coupling of the communication partners, a location aid can be provided with a particularly simple user action – the user input – which does not require any further complex actions or information, for example, to identify a specific object being sought, especially with regard to the communication connection.

[0007] It should be noted that, in principle, a communication link can always be established using the coupling information whenever the communication partners are within range. However, it is preferable for the control units to be configured to initiate the communication link using the coupling information when a control signal is present. If the connection is successfully established, meaning the other communication partner is within range, the signaling request is sent. In this second case, energy and communication traffic can be saved, as the communication link is only established when needed. If no communication link exists or if the connection fails to be established when the control signal is present, a corresponding notification can be issued via the system's own output device.

[0008] With a simple user input, the mobile device can be located using the key, without the need for complex specification of the object being searched for. The search function also works in the other direction, as the vehicle key also has output devices that can send a signal. Both the vehicle key and the mobile device can therefore be easily located as soon as either communication partner is present. Providing the search assistance or sending the signal request can be understood as a kind of "pinging" of the other communication partner, so that it sends the signal when a communication connection is established and the signal request is received.

[0009] The invention is based on the understanding that a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone, and a vehicle key usually already constitute a pair associated with a modern motor vehicle and used during its operation. The vehicle key is typically used actively or passively to unlock the vehicle. The mobile phone (or other mobile device) is connected to the vehicle, for example via a Bluetooth connection, to enable mutual data exchange during its operation, be it for hands-free calling, media playback, providing vehicle information on the mobile device, using the mobile device's cellular connection, or the like.This functional and intuitively understandable connection between the vehicle key and the mobile device, in particular a mobile phone, is used within the scope of the present invention to permanently assign them to each other by means of the pairing information and to enable easy mutual finding, since both communication partners are usually needed together, especially when operating the motor vehicle is desired, for example when a journey is to be undertaken.

[0010] According to the invention, a vehicle key is understood to be a device specifically designed for locking and unlocking, whether actively or passively. The vehicle key thus serves as the central control mechanism for locking and unlocking the motor vehicle. In particular, a vehicle key according to the present invention has a housing in or on which means for unlocking and / or locking the motor vehicle are provided, for example, comprising operable functional controls and / or at least one transponder configured for communication with the specifically assigned motor vehicle.

[0011] As mentioned previously, a mobile phone, especially a smartphone, is particularly advantageous as the mobile device, since mobile phones are frequently used with motor vehicles anyway, just like the car key. However, it is also possible for the mobile device to be a smartwatch, tablet, laptop, smart camera, or other mobile device.

[0012] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the control units are used to generate the pairing information when the mobile device is paired with the vehicle key. - from information read from an optical and / or radio-based information carrier of at least one communication partner by a reading device, in particular a camera and / or a near-field communication device, of the other communication partner, and / or facility information and / or - from input data entered by means of at least one of the operating devices and / or - is set up from application data generated by at least one application of the mobile device.

[0013] To establish the communication setup, the vehicle key is paired with the mobile device. This can be done, for example, by one of the communication partners reading an information carrier from the other. An optical information carrier could be, for example, a QR code or another type of barcode. A radio-based readable electronic information carrier could be, for example, an RFID chip or similar device. Near-field communication (NFC) technology is particularly advantageous for radio-based reading.When using an information carrier, the reading communication partner can, for example, activate a pairing mode in which the reading device specifically searches for the information carrier, reads its configuration information, derives the pairing information from it, and, via the now-established communication connection (which may still require user confirmation), triggers the pairing on the side of the communication partner possessing the information carrier. The vehicle key is particularly well-suited to be the information carrier in this context.

[0014] In addition to the aforementioned confirming or triggering input data, information specifically aimed at determining the pairing information can, of course, also be entered. This includes, for example, identification for establishing a communication connection, selection and confirmation of a communication offer, such as via Bluetooth, and the like. Input data can also be generated when a pairing mode is used, for example, when a pairing signal is generated by pressing certain controls on the vehicle key. This signal then triggers pairing on both the mobile device and the vehicle key, after the mobile device, in pairing mode, expects and can process the corresponding pairing signal.

[0015] In general, it can be advantageous for the mobile device to use a mobile application, such as an "app," particularly for establishing the connection, for subsequent management, and / or for providing a user interface for user input. In a particularly advantageous configuration, the mobile application can be a vehicle-specific application, thus enabling vehicle control, display of vehicle information, and / or the performance of vehicle-related actions. The search functionality is therefore integrated into an existing application, improving user-friendliness and the discoverability of the functionality.

[0016] As mentioned earlier, the communication link can be, for example, a Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth is a well-known communication protocol that naturally supports the pairing of two devices.

[0017] To enable the vehicle key to locate the mobile device, the corresponding user input must be enabled. Numerous possibilities exist for this, but the simplest implementations, such as using a few controls, particularly just one, are especially preferred. It is conceivable that the vehicle key could have a dedicated control element for generating the predetermined user input. For example, the dedicated control element could be easily located at a specific position on the vehicle key, preferably separate from or away from other controls assigned to different functions. Preferably, the dedicated control element is positioned or designed in such a way as to largely prevent accidental activation, for example, when carrying the vehicle key in a trouser pocket.It is also possible to use multiple dedicated controls that, for example, need to be operated simultaneously. For instance, a dedicated control could be located on one side of the vehicle key. A dedicated control provides the user with a clear and easily identifiable function.

[0018] In a suitable embodiment, the vehicle key may further include at least one functional control element, wherein the predetermined user input comprises an operating pattern of this at least one functional control element. By specifying an operating pattern, functional control elements already assigned to other key functions of the vehicle key can be made available for additional use in user input for locating the mobile device. The at least one functional control element can thus be assigned to at least one other key function, for example, unlocking and / or locking the vehicle and / or a specific door of the vehicle, such as a tailgate. With particular advantage, the operating pattern can include a sequence and / or an actuation duration of the at least one functional control element.In a simple, practical design, for example, it is conceivable that a function control element, which is generally assigned to a different function, must be pressed for a longer period, such as 0.8 to 2 seconds, to register the user input and generate the control signal. It is also conceivable to provide for multiple presses of a function control element, such as two or three quick presses in succession, similar to a "double-click." In this way, extremely simple operating patterns and thus user inputs can be achieved with existing individual function controls. It is also possible to use several function controls for the operating pattern, which, for example, must be pressed in a specific sequence. A "key combination" (simultaneous press of several function controls) can also be provided.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment of the vehicle key can also provide that the operating device includes inertial sensors, wherein the predetermined user input comprises a movement pattern of the vehicle key, and the key-side control unit is designed to generate the control signal upon detection of the movement pattern by evaluating sensor data from the inertial sensors. This enables gesture control, in which a specific gesture, defined by a movement pattern to be performed with the vehicle key, is assigned to triggering the control signal for the signaling request. For this purpose, dedicated inertial sensors, in particular comprising at least one acceleration sensor, can be provided, or an existing inertial sensor assigned to at least one key function can be used.Various specific movement patterns, i.e. gestures, are conceivable, for example a question mark drawn in the air.

[0020] If the vehicle key's operating unit has a touchscreen, it may also be possible for the predetermined user input to include selecting a function on the touchscreen. However, since touchscreens on vehicle keys are generally to be avoided, this design is less preferred.

[0021] Naturally, the described options for user input on the vehicle key can also be combined. For example, this can mean that it is possible to provide a dedicated control element as well as to implement a user interface pattern for function controls and / or gesture control.

[0022] In principle, comparable user input options can be provided on the mobile device, with mobile devices, especially mobile phones, often featuring a touchscreen that can be used to particular advantage. For example, the mobile device's operating system can include a touchscreen, and the device's control unit can be configured to receive predetermined user input via a user interface of a mobile device application. The aforementioned application, which can also be advantageously integrated into a motor vehicle, can therefore be used particularly effectively.

[0023] Various output means are conceivable within the scope of the present invention. For example, at least one of the output means may include a loudspeaker for emitting a tone as part of the signaling signal, and / or a vibration device for emitting a vibration as part of the signaling signal, and / or a light source for generating light as part of the signaling signal. It is particularly advantageous if the signaling signal includes at least one tone, for example, a sequence of tones, and / or a vibration, since direct line of sight is then not necessary to locate the desired communication partner. For example, a loudspeaker and / or a vibration motor can be integrated into the vehicle key as output means to emit the corresponding signaling signal.In addition, it is also possible to output a light signal as part of the signaling signal, which can be emitted via a suitable light source, for example as a flashing signal. For this purpose, a status LED already provided on the vehicle key can be activated as the light source.

[0024] A particular advantage is that the signaling signals of both communication partners can be identical. This allows both communication partners to immediately recognize that the respective partner is being sought, eliminating the need to learn and differentiate between different signaling signals. This harmonization significantly increases user comfort.

[0025] In addition to the communication arrangement, the present invention also relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for operating a communication arrangement, wherein the communication arrangement comprises as a first communication partner a vehicle key for a motor vehicle with a key-side communication means, a key-side control unit, a key-side output means and a key-side operating device, and as a second communication partner a mobile device with a mobile device-side communication means, a mobile device-side control unit, a mobile device-side output means and a mobile device-side operating device, wherein the communication means are configured to establish a communication connection between the vehicle key and the mobile device.Each control unit contains coupling information in such a way that the communication link between the communication means can be established by both control units, with each control unit - when a control signal indicating a predetermined user input via the operating device of the respective communication partner is present, a signaling request is sent via the communication link to the other control unit, and - upon receiving a signaling request, the output device of the respective receiving communication partner is activated to output an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic signaling signal that facilitates the location of the receiving communication partner by a searching person.

[0026] All statements regarding the communication arrangement according to the invention can be applied analogously to the method according to the invention, with which the advantages already mentioned can therefore also be obtained.

[0027] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a communication arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 2 a possible design of a vehicle key of the communication arrangement, and . Fig. 3 a schematic drawing to illustrate the method according to the invention.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication arrangement 1 according to the invention. This arrangement comprises, as the first communication partner, a vehicle key 2, which is assigned to a motor vehicle (not shown). The vehicle key 2 comprises a key-side communication means 3, a key-side control unit 4, a key-side operating device 5, and a key-side output means 6. It can optionally also include an optical and / or radio-based readable information carrier 7, for example, a QR code and / or an RFID chip.

[0029] The communication arrangement 1 includes a mobile device 8 as the second communication partner, here a mobile phone 9 designed as a smartphone. The mobile phone 9 in turn includes a mobile device-side communication means 10, a mobile device-side control unit 11, a mobile device-side operating device 13 and a mobile device-side output means 14. The mobile device-side operating device 13 and the mobile device-side output means 14 are at least partially integrated in this case, in that the mobile phone 9 has a touchscreen.

[0030] Optionally, the mobile phone 9 can also have a reading device 15 for reading the information carrier 7, as indicated by the arrow 12. The communication means 3, 10 are set up for establishing a communication connection 16, for example a Bluetooth connection.

[0031] In order to establish the communication link 16 at any time when communication range exists between the vehicle key 2 and the mobile phone 9, the vehicle key 2 and the mobile phone 9 are paired. Pairing information for this purpose is stored in the control units 4 and 11.

[0032] For pairing the vehicle key 2 and the mobile phone 9, the information carrier 7 can be used, for example, wherein the readout device 15 can be a camera of the mobile phone 9 in the case of an optical information carrier 7, and preferably a near-field communication device in the case of a radio-based readout of the information carrier 7. The pairing can be initiated in particular by an application of the mobile phone 9, which is stored in a memory medium of the control unit 11. However, pairing via input data, for example a number combination and / or a serial number, and / or by using a pairing mode is also possible, in which, for example, the mobile phone 9 can expect a pairing signal, which can be triggered by a specific operating action on the part of the vehicle key 2, which can correspond to a user input to be explained in more detail later.If the operating action corresponds to the user input, it can also be referred to as a "learning mode".

[0033] If a user makes a predetermined input at one of the communication partners, a control signal is generated. Upon receiving this signal, the respective control unit 4, 11 generates a signaling request and sends it to the other communication partner via the communication link 16. Upon receiving the signaling request, the other control unit 11, 4 activates the respective output device 14, 6 to output a signal, at least acoustically and / or haptically, and optionally also visually. Identical signaling signals were chosen for both communication partners.

[0034] In this case, the signaling signal comprises at least one tone, in particular a sequence of tones, and a vibration. This means that the respective output devices 6, 14 include at least one loudspeaker and a vibration device, as are usually provided in a mobile phone 9 anyway, but can be specifically provided in the vehicle key 2. Additionally, a light source of the output devices 6, 14 can be controlled to output a light signal as part of the signaling signal, for example, a status LED.

[0035] In particular, by entering the corresponding predetermined user input on the vehicle key 2, the mobile phone 9 can also trigger the output of a signaling signal, which facilitates or enables the location of the mobile phone 9. Conversely, the mobile phone 9 can assist in locating the vehicle key 2. Preferably, if no communication connection 16 exists or cannot be established, the communication partner on which the user input was entered can issue a corresponding notification informing the user that the other communication partner is outside of communication range or at least unreachable.

[0036] It should be noted that in the embodiment described here, the communication link 16 is only established when a control signal is present, in order to then send the signaling request. However, it is also possible to establish the communication link 16 whenever the communication partners are within mutual communication range.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the vehicle key 2 in more detail. This includes a housing 17, on the outside of which several function controls 18 are provided, for example, one for locking the vehicle, one for unlocking the entire vehicle, and one for unlocking the tailgate. In a first optional embodiment, the function controls 18, as part of the key-side operating device 5, can already be used to input user commands and generate the control signal. For this purpose, for example, an operating pattern can be provided that allows for an additional purpose for the function controls 18. For example, one of the function controls 18 can be activated for a longer duration, for example, one second, to input the predetermined user command.Multiple activation of a function control element 18, simultaneous activation of several function control elements 18 and / or a temporal sequence of activation of function control elements 18 can also be provided.

[0038] As a second optional configuration, the vehicle key 2, as part of the operating device 5, can include a dedicated control element 19, for example, attached to one side of the housing 17, which is exclusively assigned to the search function or signaling function. The dedicated control element 19 is protected against accidental activation.

[0039] Finally, in a third optional embodiment illustrated here, the operating device 5 can also include an inertial sensor 20 within the housing 17, which allows gesture control for both key functions and user input, to which a corresponding movement pattern is then assigned, the presence of which can be determined by evaluating the sensor data of the inertial sensor 20 using the control unit 4.

[0040] Several of the aforementioned optional configurations can also be used. In other embodiments, the vehicle key 2 can also have a touch display as part of the key-side operating device 5.

[0041] Regarding expenditure funds 6, in Fig. Figure 2 shows, by way of example, a loudspeaker 21 integrated into the housing 17 and a vibration device 22 integrated into the housing 17, for example a vibration motor. Optionally, a status LED 23 can also be used as a key-side output device 6 to output the signaling signal.

[0042] Fig.Figure 3 illustrates, purely by way of example and schematically, the use of the communication arrangement 1 to locate the mobile phone 9 using the vehicle key 2. In a first step, a user 24, following arrow 25, performs the predetermined user input on the vehicle key 2, specifically on the key-side control unit 5, thus generating the control signal. Upon receiving this signal, the key-side control unit 4, if it is not already established, establishes the communication connection 16 and sends the signaling request to the mobile phone 9, following arrow 26. Upon receiving the signaling request, the mobile device-side control unit 11 generates the signaling signal as the output of at least one tone 27 and one vibration 28. 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] US 2018 / 0096584 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Communication arrangement (1) comprising as first communication partner a vehicle key (2) for a motor vehicle with a key-side communication means (3), a key-side control unit (4), a key-side output means (6) and a key-side operating device (5) and as second communication partner a mobile device (8) with a mobile device-side communication means (10), a mobile device-side control unit (11), a mobile device-side output means (14) and a mobile device-side operating device (13), wherein the communication means (3, 10) are configured to establish a communication connection (16) between the vehicle key (2) and the mobile device (8), characterized by, that in the respective control units (4, 11) coupling information is stored in such a way that the communication link (16) between the communication means (3, 10) can be established by both control units (4, 11), whereby both control units (4, 11) are set up: - when a control signal indicating a predetermined user input via the operating device (5, 13) of the respective communication partner is present, a signaling request is sent via the communication link (16) to the respective other control unit (4, 11), and - upon receiving a signaling request, to control the output device (6, 14) of the respective receiving communication partner to output an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic signaling signal that facilitates the finding of the receiving communication partner by a searching person (24). [2] Communication arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control units (4, 11) are used to generate the pairing information when pairing the mobile device (8) with the vehicle key (2) - from information information read from an optical and / or radio-based information carrier (7) of at least one communication partner by a reading device (15), in particular a camera and / or a near-field communication device, of the other communication partner and / or - from input data entered by means of at least one of the operating devices (5, 13) and / or - is set up from application data generated by at least one application of the mobile device (8). [3] Communication arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the communication link (16) is a Bluetooth connection. [4] Communication arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that on the part of the vehicle key (2) - the operating device (5) has a dedicated control element (19) for generating the predetermined user input and / or - the operating device (5) comprises at least one functional control element (18), wherein the predetermined user input comprises an operating pattern of the at least one functional control element (18), and / or - the operating device (5) comprises an inertial sensor system (20), wherein the predetermined user input comprises a movement pattern of the vehicle key (2) and the key-side control unit (4) is configured to generate the control signal upon detection of the movement pattern by evaluating sensor data from the inertial sensor system (20), and / or - the operating device (5) has a touchscreen, wherein the predetermined user input includes the selection of a function on the touchscreen. [5] Communication arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by, that in the case of a predetermined user input comprising an operating pattern, the at least one functional control element (18) is assigned to at least one further key function and / or the operating pattern comprises a sequence and / or an actuation duration of the at least one functional control element (18). [6] Communication arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the operating device (13) of the mobile device (8) includes a touchscreen and the control unit (11) of the mobile device (8) is configured to receive the predetermined user input in a user interface of or the application of the mobile device (8). [7] Communication arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one of the output means (6, 14) has a loudspeaker (21) for outputting a sound of the signaling signal and / or a vibration device (22) for outputting a vibration as part of the signaling signal and / or a light source for generating a light signal as part of the signaling signal. [8] Communication arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the signaling signals of both communication partners are the same. [9] Communication arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mobile device (8) is a mobile phone (9), in particular a smartphone, or a smartwatch or a tablet or a laptop or a smart camera. [10] Method for operating a communication arrangement (1) comprising as the first communication partner a vehicle key (2) for a motor vehicle with a key-side communication means (3), a key-side control unit (4), a key-side output means (6) and a key-side operating device (5) and as the second communication partner a mobile device (8) with a mobile device-side communication means (10), a mobile device-side control unit (11), a mobile device-side output means (14) and a mobile device-side operating device (13), wherein the communication means (3, 10) are configured to establish a communication connection (16) between the vehicle key (2) and the mobile device (8), characterized by, that in the respective control units (4, 11) coupling information is stored in such a way that the communication link (16) between the communication means (3, 10) can be established by both control units (4, 11), wherein each control unit (4, 11) - when a control signal indicating a predetermined user input via the operating device (5, 13) of the respective communication partner is present, a signaling request is sent via the communication link (16) to the respective other control unit (4, 11), and - upon receiving a signaling request, the output device (6, 14) of the respective receiving communication partner is controlled to output an optical and / or acoustic and / or haptic signaling signal that facilitates the finding of the receiving communication partner by a searching person (24).

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