Electronic lock module for a door or flap, door and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic lock module (200) for a door (50) or flap, comprising at least one ultra-wideband module (210) and a control unit (40) coupled to the ultra-wideband module (210), wherein the ultra-wideband module (210) has a radar function. The invention further relates to a door (50) and a vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic locking module, for example a sensor module, for a door or flap. The invention further relates to a door with such an electronic locking module and a vehicle.

[0002] Various electronic lock modules, which can be operated with a transponder, are known for opening and closing a door.

[0003] Ultra-wideband antennas, also known as UWB antennas (short for: Ultra-Wideband), are suitable for short-range radio communication in large frequency ranges with a specified bandwidth.

[0004] Various sensors are also known for vehicles that activate access functions, such as generating an unlock signal to automatically open a trunk or tailgate. These sensors include proximity sensors, capacitive sensors, strain gauges, and piezoelectric sensors, which can identify activation and trigger an access function for automatically opening the trunk, tailgate, or doors.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved electronic lock module, for example a sensor module, an improved door and an improved vehicle compared to the prior art.

[0006] The problem with regard to the electronic lock module is solved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 1. The problem with regard to the door, or also a flap, is solved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 6. The problem with regard to the vehicle is solved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 9.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The electronic locking module according to the invention for a door or flap comprises at least one ultra-wideband module and a control unit coupled to the ultra-wideband module. The ultra-wideband module has at least one radar function and is configured to detect a user-owned mobile device and / or an electronic key in the vicinity of the door or flap and to use the radar function to detect the approach, touch, and / or gesture of a person in the vicinity. The control unit is configured to trigger at least one locking function, for example, of a lock, depending on the detection of an authorized person and the detection of the approach, touch, and / or gesture of the authorized person.The ultra-wideband module has at least one localization function by which the user's mobile device and / or electronic key can be detected in the vicinity of the door or flap based on time-of-flight measurements.

[0009] Such an electronic locking module can be used, for example, in building systems and locker systems. It can also be installed in vehicles, for example as a sensor module.

[0010] The ultra-wideband module includes at least one first ultra-wideband antenna. Based on signals received by the first ultra-wideband antenna, the control unit can perform a locking function on the door or flap.

[0011] The ultra-wideband module can include at least one second ultra-wideband antenna. Based on signals received from the second ultra-wideband antenna, the control unit can perform an opening function for the door or flap.

[0012] Gesture and touch recognition can be implemented using the radar function of the ultra-wideband module. Such a lock module can be designed with a reduced number of parts and a compact form factor.

[0013] Furthermore, the ultra-wideband module enables the location of a smartphone or key fob belonging to an authorized person. Even under challenging conditions, such as with plastic coverings, ice, and / or snow, ultra-wideband antennas ensure reliable detection and tracking.

[0014] The lock module can only use the ultra-wideband module for position determination. The ultra-wideband module can have at least one localization function. The localization function serves to locate or determine the position of objects or users in space, whereby a distance and / or a position can be determined, for example, based on time-of-flight measurements of electromagnetic pulses. The localization function can be provided in addition to the radar function. The radar function is designed to detect the user's movements and / or gestures. The radar function serves, in particular exclusively, for gesture recognition and optionally also for proximity detection and / or touch detection.

[0015] The radar function can be based on an analysis of reflected signal components to detect a user's movements and / or gestures. The localization function can be based on an analysis of time-of-flight measurements between transmitted and directly received signals.

[0016] The first ultra-wideband antenna and / or the second ultra-wideband antenna and optionally a third ultra-wideband antenna of the ultra-wideband module is set up to locate a mobile terminal, also called a mobile device, and / or an electronic key and / or a digital key.

[0017] The control unit may, for example, have an artificial intelligence that is set up to distinguish between classified and unclassified gestures to trigger the corresponding lock function.

[0018] The control unit can include a neural network configured to train the behavior of the ultra-wideband module. The control unit, specifically the neural network, can be configured to train gesture recognition using the radar function. The control unit, specifically the neural network, can be configured to train the ultra-wideband module to distinguish between intentional and unintentional gestures. This prevents unintended opening. The artificial intelligence can be temporarily integrated into the control unit, for example, as a software module for training. The artificial intelligence training can take place in a separate development environment. After training is complete, the determined parameters are stored in the control unit and / or the ultra-wideband module. A control unit and / or the ultra-wideband module installed in the vehicle can be operated without active artificial intelligence.

[0019] A door according to the invention for closing an opening comprises a door handle and an electronic lock module as described above. The electronic lock module is arranged in the area of ​​the door handle.

[0020] At least one first ultra-wideband antenna of the ultra-wideband module can be located on the outside of the door handle to detect an actuation of a locking function.

[0021] At least one second ultra-wideband antenna of the ultra-wideband module can be located on the inside of the door handle to detect the activation of an opening function.

[0022] With regard to a vehicle, the electronic locking module can be installed in the area of ​​a side door, tailgate, hood, or pillar. In particular, the use of the electronic locking module can reduce the number of sensors required in the vehicle. For example, the electronic locking module can be positioned in the area of ​​the vehicle's bumper, perhaps behind a plastic bumper cover, to implement a kick sensor.

[0023] The electronic lock module is also referred to as the sensor module below. The door or flap can refer to a vehicle door or hatch.

[0024] The electronic lock module can be a sensor module for a vehicle, wherein the sensor module comprises at least an ultra-wideband antenna and a control unit coupled to the ultra-wideband antenna, wherein the ultra-wideband antenna is configured to detect a user-side mobile device and / or an access actuation in a vehicle environment and to detect at least one approach, touch and / or gesture of a person, wherein the control unit has artificial intelligence and is configured to trigger at least one vehicle function upon detection of an authorized person and upon detection of an approach, touch and / or gesture in the area of ​​the moving vehicle element and to train the behavior of the sensor module.

[0025] The advantages achieved with the invention consist in particular of training the sensor module, especially a technology for various applications, to prevent unintentional opening of the vehicle component and to avoid triggering malfunctions, for example, due to weather conditions. This is to be achieved through machine learning using artificial intelligence, especially a neural network. Using the control unit, especially the artificial intelligence, a plausible access request, a plausible access attempt, and a plausible triggering of the vehicle function can be determined, for example, based on the detection signals from the at least one sensor module. Access to the vehicle is thus simplified for the user.

[0026] The vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one movable vehicle element for closing a vehicle opening, a sensor module arranged in and / or on the vehicle element, and a control unit coupled to the sensor module. The sensor module includes at least one ultra-wideband antenna configured to detect a user-owned mobile device and / or an access control mechanism in a vehicle environment and to detect at least one approach, touch, and / or gesture by a person. In a development phase, the control unit may incorporate artificial intelligence to train the behavior of the sensor module. In particular, the control unit is configured to evaluate a sensor signal from the sensor module and to trigger at least one vehicle function upon detection of an authorized person and upon detection of an approach, touch, and / or gesture in the area of ​​the movable vehicle element.

[0027] In a further development, at least one sensor module can be provided on each moving vehicle component, for example, on side doors, on and / or in handles, on and / or in a tailgate, or on and / or in a hood. Because the sensor module is located in and / or on the moving vehicle component, the use of conventional sensor units located on the rear, bumper, and pillars can be eliminated. The ultra-wideband module can be located in the bumper area to implement the radar function. Costs can be reduced by eliminating sensor units located in the corners and / or edges of the vehicle.

[0028] The ultra-wideband module can be positioned behind a bumper, for example, to use radar to detect gestures made by the user. Upon recognition of a valid gesture, the corresponding tailgate can be opened or closed.

[0029] After successfully detecting a person in a monitored, specifically scanned, vehicle environment, and verifying the person's access authorization to the vehicle, the vehicle function can lock, unlock, or open the movable vehicle element. Mobile devices are located via the UWB antennas. The UWB antennas may also include a radar function.

[0030] Sensor modules with ultra-wideband antennas, also known as UWB antennas (short for ultra-wideband), enable a compact, robust, and cost-effective design. These sensor modules can be retrofitted and / or pre-assembled. They can also be modular in design. The sensor modules can be housed in a casing, for example, with at least one plastic surface. This allows the UWB antennas to function even in icy conditions. Furthermore, these sensor modules can be part of "Digital Keys" specifications.

[0031] The UWB antennas form, in particular, an ultra-wideband module (UWB module).

[0032] In a method for operating a sensor module comprising at least an ultra-wideband antenna and a control unit coupled to the ultra-wideband antenna, a user-side mobile device and / or an access control in a vehicle environment is detected by means of the ultra-wideband antenna, and at least one approach, touch, and / or gesture of a person is recorded, wherein at least one vehicle function is triggered by means of the control unit upon detection of an authorized person and upon recording of an approach, touch, and / or gesture in the area of ​​the moving vehicle element, wherein the control unit has an artificial intelligence by means of which the behavior of the sensor module is continuously trained.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 schematically a top view of a vehicle according to the invention with a plurality of electronic locking modules, in particular sensor modules, and Fig. 2 schematically a top view of a door according to the invention with a door handle and an electronic lock module.

[0034] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle 10 according to the invention with a plurality of electronic lock modules 200, in particular sensor modules 20.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one sensor module 20 is assigned to each movable vehicle element 12 of the vehicle 10. This eliminates the need for conventionally installed sensor units 30 in corner areas 14, a ceiling area 16, and / or on a vehicle pillar 18 of the vehicle 10. Reducing the number of sensor units 30 can lead to cost savings.

[0037] The sensor modules 20 can each be arranged in and / or on the movable vehicle element 12. The vehicle elements 12 are, for example, side doors 12.1, a tailgate 12.2, and a front hatch 12.3.

[0038] The vehicle 10 includes at least one control unit 40 coupled with the sensor modules 20.

[0039] In a further training, each sensor module 20 can have its own control unit 40. The control units 40 can each be connected to vehicle-side control electronics.

[0040] The respective sensor module 20 comprises at least one ultra-wideband antenna 22 (also referred to as UWB antenna 22) configured to detect a user-owned mobile device and / or an access control in a vehicle environment and to capture at least one gesture, approach, and / or touch. The respective control unit 40 is configured to trigger a vehicle function, wherein the control unit 40 includes an artificial intelligence 42 and is configured to trigger at least one vehicle function upon detection of an authorized person and upon capture of an approach, touch, and / or gesture in the area of ​​the moving vehicle element 12 and to train the behavior of the sensor module 20.

[0041] In particular, the sensor module 20 includes an ultra-wideband module 210. The ultra-wideband module 210 can include multiple ultra-wideband antennas 22.

[0042] The respective sensor module 20 can include a UWB antenna 22 combined with a radar function for detecting touches, gestures, and / or movements of a user. A detected touch, gesture, and / or movement can be used to reliably trigger an opening and closing function, for example, an unlocking and locking function, of the movable vehicle element 12.

[0043] The sensor module 20 can also be integrated into a handle. By using one or more UWB antennas 22, the sensor module 20 can be designed to be compact. The sensor module 20 can have a number of primary UWB antennas 22, which can be arranged on the outside of the handle. The sensor module 20 can have a number of secondary UWB antennas 22, which can be arranged on the inside of the handle.

[0044] The outward-facing UWB antennas 22 can perform a locking function, in particular a locking function of a lock, of the movable vehicle element 12. The inward-facing UWB antennas 22 can perform an opening function, in particular an unlocking function of a lock. Additionally, the sensor module 20 is configured to locate a mobile device, such as a smartphone and / or a key fob, in the vehicle's vicinity and / or within the assigned detection range. This eliminates the need for sensor units 30 in vehicle corners, and the sensor modules 20 in handles and / or flaps are sufficient.

[0045] The Ultra-Wideband Module 210 includes at least one radar function designed to detect the movements and / or gestures of a user.

[0046] The Ultra Broadband Module 210 also includes at least one localization function, which is set up to determine the position of an object, for example a mobile device and / or an electronic key, and / or to determine the position of the user.

[0047] The ultra-wideband module 210 comprises at least one UWB antenna 22 configured for transmitting and receiving UWB signals. This at least one UWB antenna 22 can be configured to perform both a radar function for detecting gestures and / or movements and a localization function for determining position. Alternatively, the ultra-wideband module 210 can comprise multiple UWB antennas 22, with each individual UWB antenna 22 being assigned at least one of the two functions, namely radar function and / or localization function.

[0048] For example, the ultra-wideband module 210 can have one UWB antenna 22 for performing the radar function and another UWB antenna 22 for performing the localization function.

[0049] Each sensor module 20 can have its own detection range. The respective opening and closing mechanisms of the vehicle elements 12 are linked to the control unit 40 via signal technology.

[0050] The UWB sensor modules 20 can be set up as a standard radio interface for vehicle communication with keys, such as transponders, and mobile devices, such as smartphones, for vehicle unlocking.

[0051] The UWB sensor modules 20 can be configured to perform one or more functions, such as precise position detection, environmental monitoring, pre-authentication and authentication of access authorization, as well as gesture recognition, touch detection, and / or proximity detection. The UWB sensor modules 20 can be configured as a combined radio interface and gesture recognition system. In particular, intuitive opening of the movable vehicle element 12 is enabled.

[0052] The control unit 40 incorporates an artificial intelligence 42, specifically a neural network. The artificial intelligence 42 is configured to improve the behavior of the sensor modules 20 during a development phase, particularly a training phase. This training serves to adapt the sensor modules 20 to various environmental conditions and applications in order to reduce false triggers and prevent the vehicle element 12 from opening unintentionally.

[0053] The control unit 40 is specifically designed to decide, in an access control system, on the basis of a measurement signal detected by one of the sensor modules 20, whether a plausible access operation and a valid triggering of a vehicle function have occurred.

[0054] If the corresponding access actuation and a valid trigger are present, for example by a valid gesture performed and recognized and / or touching by a user on the vehicle element 12, the opening mechanism or the closing mechanism of the vehicle element 12 can be activated and, if, for example, a valid trigger is not present, it can be suppressed.

[0055] The artificial intelligence 42 is used, for example, during the development or calibration phase to train the parameters of the sensor modules 20. After training is complete, the artificial intelligence 42 can be removed from the system or deactivated. The sensor modules 20 can be trained before the control unit 40 is installed. Once installed, the artificial intelligence 42 is no longer needed.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of a door 50 according to the invention with a door handle 52 and an electronic lock module 200.

[0057] The electronic lock module 200 includes at least one ultra-wideband module 210 and a control unit 40 coupled with the ultra-wideband module 210.

[0058] The ultra-wideband module 210 is designed to detect a user-side mobile device and / or an electronic key in the vicinity of door 50 or flap and to capture an approach, touch and / or gesture of a person in the vicinity.

[0059] The control unit 40 is set up to trigger at least one locking function, for example of a lock, depending on the detection of an authorized person and the recording of the approach, touch and / or gesture of the authorized person.

[0060] Such an electronic lock module 200 can be used, for example, in building systems and locker systems. Such an electronic lock module 200 can also be used, for example, as a sensor module 20, as already described in... Fig. 1 shown, installed in vehicles 10.

[0061] The ultra-wideband module 210 includes at least one first ultra-wideband antenna 22. The control unit 40 can perform a locking function of the door 50 or flap based on signals received from the first ultra-wideband antenna 22.

[0062] The ultra-wideband module 210 can include at least one second ultra-wideband antenna 22. Based on signals received from the second ultra-wideband antenna 22, the control unit 40 can perform an opening function for the door 50 or flap.

[0063] The Ultra-Wideband Module 210 is configured to transmit and receive UWB signals and features radar and localization functions. The radar function detects and analyzes user gestures and / or movements, while the localization function determines the position of an object and / or the user. For example, the localization function can be performed based on time-of-flight measurements of the UWB signals.

[0064] The radar function and the localization function can be functionally separate.

[0065] Gesture and touch recognition can be implemented using the radar function of the Ultra-Wideband Module 210. Such a lock module 200 can be designed with a reduced number of parts and a compact form factor. Furthermore, the Ultra-Wideband Module 210, specifically its localization function, can be used to locate the mobile device of an authorized person. Even under difficult conditions, such as with plastic coverings, ice, and / or snow, the Ultra-Wideband Antennas 22 enable reliable detection and tracking.

[0066] The control unit 40 is designed to distinguish between classified gestures and unclassified gestures for triggering the corresponding lock function.

[0067] During the development phase, the control unit 40 can include an active neural network configured to train the behavior of the ultra-wideband module 210 in order to prevent false triggering of the lock module 200 and achieve high user acceptance. Once training is complete, the neural network can be removed from the system or deactivated, so that the control unit 40, once installed, operates without an active neural network component but still based on the trained parameters. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 vehicles 12 Vehicle element 12.1 Side door 12.2 Tailgate 12.3 Front flap 14 Corner area 16 Ceiling area 18 Vehicle column 20 Sensor module 22 Ultra-wideband antenna, UWB antenna 30 sensor units 40 Control unit 42 Artificial Intelligence 50 Door 52 Door handle 200 lock modules 210 Ultra-wideband module

Claims

Electronic lock module (200) for a door (50) or flap, comprising at least one ultra-wideband module (210) and a control unit (40) coupled to the ultra-wideband module (210), wherein the ultra-wideband module (210) has at least one radar function and is configured to detect a user-side mobile terminal and / or an electronic key in the vicinity of the door (50) or flap, and to detect an approach, touch and / or gesture of a person in the vicinity, wherein the control unit (40) is configured to trigger at least one lock function depending on the detection of an authorized person and the detection of the approach, touch and / or gesture of the authorized person. Electronic lock module (200) according to claim 1, wherein the ultra-wideband module (210) comprises at least one first ultra-wideband antenna (22) and the control unit (40) performs a locking function based on detected signals from the first ultra-wideband antenna (22). Electronic lock module (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultra-wideband module (210) comprises at least one second ultra-wideband antenna (22) and the control unit (40) performs an opening function based on detected signals from the second ultra-wideband antenna (22). Electronic lock module (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (40) has an artificial intelligence (42) which is configured to distinguish between classified gestures and unclassified gestures for triggering the lock function. Electronic lock module (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (40) comprises a neural network configured to train the behavior of the ultra-wideband module (210). Door (50) for closing an opening with a door handle (52) and an electronic lock module (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic lock module (200) is arranged in the area of ​​the door handle (52). Door (50) according to claim 6, wherein at least one first ultra-wideband antenna (22) of the ultra-wideband module (210) is arranged on an outside of the door handle (52) to detect an actuation of a locking function. Door (50) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one second ultra-wideband antenna (22) of the ultra-wideband module (210) is arranged on an inside of the door handle (52) to detect an actuation of an opening function. Vehicle (10) with at least one movable vehicle element (12) for closing a vehicle opening and an electronic lock module (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic lock module (200) is arranged in the area of ​​a side door (12.1), a vehicle pillar (18), a front flap (12.3) and / or tailgate (12.2) and / or a bumper. Vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein at least one first ultra-wideband antenna (22) of the ultra-wideband module (210) is arranged on an outside of a handle to detect an actuation of a locking function and at least one second ultra-wideband antenna (22) of the ultra-wideband module (210) is arranged on an inside of the handle to detect an actuation of an opening function Vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein the ultra-wideband module (210) is arranged behind a bumper of the vehicle (10) and is configured to trigger an opening or closing of the tailgate (12.2) based on a gesture of a user detected by the radar function.

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