Locking system, especially for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Locking system, in particular for access and / or driving authorization in a motor vehicle (1) in the form of a keyless entry / go functionality, with a first device (4) having at least two states, such as a control device for unlocking and / or locking the car doors (6), the ignition lock, the steering lock, for releasing and / or blocking the immobilizer, the engine control unit or the like, and with an associated device, in particular in the form of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card, a mobile phone or the like.a second device (5) trained as an authorization holder, wherein, if the second device (5) is authorized, a change in the state of the first device (4) can be effected, and wherein an authentication process (12) is provided for the second device (5) to determine authorization, characterized in that at least one further authentication process (13) is provided to determine authorization, wherein the further authentication process (13) is different from the first authentication process (12), and that only if authorization is successfully determined for both the first authentication process (12) and the further authentication process (13), in particular in the manner of a serial connection, is the change in the state of the first device (4) possible.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] For increased security requirements, electronic locking systems are used, for example, those that operate using electromagnetic waves. In motor vehicles, such locking systems are used to prevent theft, particularly as door locking systems for access authorization and / or as ignition lock systems, steering wheel locks, immobilizers, or similar systems for driving authorization.

[0003] Such locking systems are known from DE 43 40 260 A1. The locking system consists of a first device with at least two states, designed as a control device for unlocking and / or locking car doors, the ignition lock, or the like, and an associated second device designed as an authorization carrier in the manner of an electronic key. Upon authorization of the second device, a change in the state of the first device can be effected. An authentication process for the second device is provided to determine authorization.

[0004] Such locking systems have also been further developed with so-called "keyless" functionalities. With the "KeylessEntry" functionality, manual operation of the electronic key by the user is no longer necessary. It is sufficient for the user to carry the key with them. The authentication process for access authorization between the two devices is then carried out automatically when the user is within an effective range near the vehicle and, for example, operates the door handle. These locking systems can also have a "KeylessGo" functionality, whereby the authentication process for driving authorization between the two devices is carried out automatically when the user is inside the vehicle and, for example, presses a start / stop button on the dashboard.It has now become apparent that situations may occur in which the level of security achieved by the authentication process is not sufficient for theft protection.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of further developing the locking system in such a way that theft security is further increased.

[0006] This object is achieved in a generic locking system by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0007] In the locking system according to the invention, at least one further authentication process is provided to determine authorization, wherein the further authentication process is different from the first authentication process. Changing the state of the first device is then only possible if authorization is positively determined for both the first authentication process and the further authentication process. In particular, a type of serial linking of the one and the further authentication process is carried out to determine authorization. Thus, the level of theft protection is advantageously increased by the inventive linking of at least two different authentication processes. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] In a further advantageous embodiment, the two devices can have transmitters and / or receivers for their intended operation, particularly for electromagnetic signals, such that communication between the two devices is possible. At least one of the signals transmitted between the second device and the first device can be a coded operating signal. Furthermore, one of the authentication processes can involve the positive evaluation of the coded operating signal.

[0009] The second device designed as an authorization carrier can be not only an electronic key but also an ID transmitter, a chip card, a mobile phone, or the like. In a simple embodiment, the mobile phone as the second device can be a smartphone. Advantageously, the mobile phone that a user generally already has and / or carries with them can therefore be used for the purpose of authentication. Communication between the first device and the mobile phone can take place via Bluetooth. Advantageously, this does not require any interaction by the user on the mobile phone, so that ease of use for the user is considerably increased. In particular, communication can take place via Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), which operates in a particularly energy-efficient manner.

[0010] For a particularly anti-theft solution, a facial recognition system can be provided. In this case, one of the authentication processes can involve recognizing the face of the authorized user.

[0011] A fingerprint sensor can also be provided to increase theft protection. In this case, one of the authentication processes can involve recognizing the fingerprint of the authorized user. In a user-friendly manner, the fingerprint sensor can be arranged outside the vehicle and / or inside the vehicle. For example, the fingerprint sensor can be located outside on the door handle. Inside the fingerprint sensor can be located on an operating element, such as an actuator such as a start-stop button for triggering the starting process for the vehicle, on a gear selector switch, or similar. Due to this arrangement of the fingerprint sensor, no separate operation by the user is required to trigger the further authentication process.

[0012] To increase theft protection, a voice recognition system can be provided. In this case, one of the authentication processes can involve recognizing the authorized user's voice.

[0013] The various systems for increasing theft protection can be used in any combination. For example, a voice recognition system can be used in addition to facial recognition, as well as fingerprint recognition for further authentication processes. In addition to or in addition to voice recognition, facial recognition, and / or fingerprint recognition, another biometric characteristic of the authorized user can also be used.

[0014] The invention further provides a locking system, in particular for access and / or driving authorization in a motor vehicle in the form of a keyless entry / go functionality, in which the level of theft protection is adaptable. Such a locking system comprises a first device having at least two states, such as a control device for unlocking and / or locking the car doors, the ignition lock, the steering wheel lock, for releasing and / or locking the immobilizer, the engine control unit, or the like, and an associated second device, in particular designed as an authorization carrier in the form of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card, a mobile phone, or the like. Upon authorization of the second device, a change in the state of the first device can be effected. At least one authentication process is provided to determine authorization for the second device.According to the invention, the type and / or number of authentication processes can be determined by the authorized user, in particular in such a way that the security level for access and / or driving authorization can be selected by the authorized user. Advantageously, the security level can thus be adjusted by the authorized user depending on the situation and / or environment.

[0015] To ensure security against misuse, the user can only lower the security level after successfully completing the maximum number of authentication processes. To increase user convenience, the respective security level can be set automatically based on time, situation, and / or location.

[0016] In a practical embodiment, the transmission of the coded operating signal can be provided as one authentication process. Only in darkness, i.e., when there is a higher risk, can voice recognition be provided as a further authentication process. A brightness sensor can be provided to detect darkness. In particular, the brightness sensor for the vehicle's automatic headlights, which is often already present in the vehicle, can be used for this purpose.

[0017] In a similarly practical embodiment, the authentication processes can include the transmission of the coded operating signal via the mobile phone and the recognition of the fingerprint. In a user-friendly manner, the fingerprint sensor can be arranged on the start / stop button for authorizing the vehicle to start. Furthermore, an additional fingerprint sensor can be arranged on the door handle. This allows the recognition of the user's fingerprint on the door handle as a further authentication process if the vehicle is located in a congested area, which may pose an increased risk potential. To detect the congested area, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor can also be easily provided in the vehicle. In particular, the GPS sensor that is often already present in vehicles for a navigation system can be used for this purpose.

[0018] The following can be stated for a particularly preferred embodiment of the locking system according to the invention.

[0019] When it comes to access authorization and / or vehicle start authorization, two opposing customer needs exist: security and simplicity. This will be examined in more detail below using two different examples: What does the security-conscious private customer want, and what does the simplicity-conscious car-sharing operator want?

[0020] Both want the same car, but: - Private customers want to keep their vehicle in their possession, because, after all, they paid for it and "worked hard for it." They usually want to use the vehicle themselves, or in exceptional cases, lend it out in person, for example, by handing over the keys. They are driven by a strong need for security. Even if their vehicle is fully replaced by insurance in the event of theft, they still perceive the loss as a personal attack. Usually, the vehicle also contains personal belongings and / or valuables that cannot or will not be replaced. - In car sharing and / or corporate fleets, the actual rental process should be as straightforward as possible. Personal contact is often not possible, for example, when renting outside of business hours. Keys get lost and / or damaged. Furthermore, traditional vehicle keys currently have to be stored, assigned, and / or managed, which requires significant organizational effort.

[0021] The vehicle manufacturer (OEM) aims to satisfy both customers. They want to provide the easiest possible vehicle access and / or driving authorization, while also satisfying the specific, situation-dependent security needs. Furthermore, the user's need for security is not constant but can vary greatly depending on the situation. For example, at night in a big city, the desire for security is usually greater than at home in the afternoon in a village of 1,000 people.

[0022] Furthermore, different authorizations can be distinguished on and / or in the vehicle: - High level of security for vehicle access. In particular, protection against vandalism, theft of items in the vehicle, etc. - Increased security for vehicle start authorization. In particular, protection against theft of the vehicle, protection against and / or abuse of children, etc. - Sufficient level of security for access to the glove compartment, the lockable center console, the trunk and / or loading floor or similar containers in the vehicle.

[0023] The invention solves this requirement for the OEM to satisfy its customers.

[0024] It is known that every lock and / or authorization can be "cracked" with a certain probability. One inventive possibility could be to increase the security level through suitable means. In particular, the higher security level is to be generated by serial connection, i.e., linking, two or more authentication processes. This increases the barrier to misuse. On the one hand, the probability of success in an attack is reduced, and on the other, the time required for manipulation is also increased, which also acts as a deterrent.

[0025] Examples of such a connection are: - Keyless system plus facial recognition. - Automatic recognition of the associated smartphone, for example via BTLE, and a fingerprint sensor. - One fingerprint sensor outside, for example on the door handle, and another fingerprint sensor inside the vehicle, for example on a control element such as the start-stop button or the gear selector. - Voice plus face plus fingerprint recognition.

[0026] Of course, other combinations for the authentication processes are conceivable.

[0027] In particular, the invention allows the customer to choose the security level they wish to use. Lowering the security level itself should, of course, not be vulnerable to attack, so the user must always log in with full authentication to change the security level. Furthermore, the security level can also be automated based on time and / or location, so that in this case, the user only sets the level once.

[0028] Examples of implementations for automating the choice of security level are: - Authentication only via keyless entry - except in the dark, which is detected, for example, by the brightness sensor for the automatic lights; then keyless entry and voice recognition are used in the dark. - Automatic recognition of the smartphone plus a fingerprint scanner on the start / stop button for start authorization – unless the GPS sensor detects a metropolitan area; in this case, additional authentication is performed using a fingerprint scanner on the door handle.

[0029] Of course, further combinations for automated authentication processes are conceivable.

[0030] The invention creates a locking system with a flexible authentication option.

[0031] The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that it provides increased convenience and / or security for the user of the locking system. The adjustability of the authentication processes also results in a reduction in variants for the vehicle manufacturer (OEM). Finally, car sharing is also possible with the same locking system; no modification of the locking system is required.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention with various developments and refinements are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below. Fig. 1 a motor vehicle equipped with a locking system, Fig. 2 performing an authentication for the locking system according to a first embodiment and Fig. 3 performing an authentication for the locking system according to a second embodiment.

[0033] In Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 with the authorized user 2. The motor vehicle 1 is provided with a locking system 3 as a door locking system for access authorization, which comprises a first device 4 designed as a control device and an associated second device 5. The Fig. The second device 5, only schematically indicated in FIG. 1, is portable and is in the possession of the authorized user 2, which grants the user access to the motor vehicle 1 within an effective range 8. The second device 5, which serves as an authorization carrier, is designed in the form of an electronic key, an identification (ID) transmitter, a chip card, a smart card, or the like. However, the second device 5 can also be another device allowing identification, for example, a mobile phone or a smartphone.

[0034] The first device 4 has at least two states, wherein in the first state a locking and in the second state an unlocking of the car doors 6 is present. The two devices 4, 5 have, for their intended operation, means for transmitting and / or receiving signals 7 by means of an electromagnetic carrier wave, wherein in Fig. 1, only the transmitter and / or receiver 9 of the first device 4 is shown schematically, thus enabling communication between the two devices 4, 5. At least one of these signals 7 transmitted between the second device 5 and the first device 4 is a coded, electromagnetic operating signal. The coded operating signal serves to authenticate the second device 5, so that the transmission of the coded operating signal is considered a first authentication process 12 (see Fig. 2) for the second facility 5 to determine eligibility.

[0035] How to continue Fig. 2, at least one further, second authentication process 13 is provided to determine the authorization of user 2. The further, second authentication process 13 is different from the one, first authentication process 12. Only if the authorization is positively determined for both the first authentication process 12 and the further, second authentication process 13, i.e., according to a Boolean "AND" operation 14 or a serial connection of the two authentication processes 12, 13, is the execution 18 of the application 17 and / or function that can be effected by the locking system 3 possible.

[0036] In the present case, if the authorization is positively determined, i.e. both in the case of an authorized second device 5 after positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal in accordance with the first authentication process 12 and in the case of an authorized user 2 after positive evaluation of the second authentication process 13 as application 17, the change in the state of the first device 4 can be effected. The transmission of the coded operating signal in accordance with the first authentication process 12 and the execution of the second authentication process 13 take place when the authorized user 2 Fig. 1 on the car door 6 or approaches the door handle 16. This triggers the unlocking of the car doors 6 according to the KeylessEntry functionality. The transmission of the coded operating signal according to the first authentication process 12 and the execution of the second authentication process 13 can also occur automatically without the cooperation of the user 2 as soon as the user enters the effective area 8, although this will not be discussed in more detail below. If the user 2 closes the car doors 6 from the outside, the car doors 6 are automatically locked. The automatic locking of the car doors 6 can also occur after the user 2 has left the effective area 8.

[0037] The locking system 3 continues to determine the driving authorization for the motor vehicle 1, as in Fig. 1. For this purpose, the first device 4, designed as a control device, also unlocks and / or locks the ignition lock (electronic ignition lock EZS) and / or the steering wheel lock (electric steering wheel lock ELV) depending on the two states. Another functionally relevant component of the motor vehicle 1 can equally well be controlled accordingly by the first device 4. For example, this can enable and / or disable an immobilizer, the engine control unit, or the like. The transmission of the coded operating signal for authenticating the second device 5 according to the first authentication process 12 and the execution of the second authentication process 13 take place when the authorized user 2 is in the motor vehicle 1 and manually actuates a start / stop switch 10 using an actuating element 11. This initiates the start process or the like.of motor vehicle 1 is triggered according to the KeylessGo functionality. The start / stop switch 10 is expediently arranged on the gear selector lever, the ignition lock, the dashboard, the center console, or the like in motor vehicle 1.

[0038] As already mentioned, the second device 5 can be a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. This enables communication 7 between the control device 4 and the mobile phone 5, wherein at least one of the signals 7 transmitted between the mobile phone 5 and the control device 4 is the coded operating signal for authenticating the mobile phone 5. After positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal with an authorized mobile phone 5 according to the first authentication process 12 and the successful execution of the second authentication process 13, the corresponding change in the state of the control device 4 can then be effected.

[0039] The communication 7 for signal transmission between the vehicle 1 and the mobile phone 5 takes place via Bluetooth communication 7. The Bluetooth communication 7 for signal transmission is established automatically when the mobile phone 5 is within the reception range of the transmitter and / or receiver 9 of the control device 4. For this purpose, the Bluetooth communication 7 is expediently permanently active. To save energy, the Bluetooth communication 7 can be Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) communication.

[0040] Expedient embodiments of the authentication processes 12, 13, particularly the second authentication process 13, will be explained in more detail below. One of the authentication processes 12, 13 may involve the recognition of the face of the authorized user 2. For this purpose, a facial recognition system may be provided on the motor vehicle 1. A fingerprint sensor may also be provided, with one of the authentication processes 12, 13 involving the recognition of the fingerprint of the authorized user 2. The fingerprint sensor may be arranged outside the motor vehicle 1, particularly on the door handle 16, and / or inside the motor vehicle 1, particularly on an operating element, such as the actuating element 11 configured as a start-stop button for triggering the starting process for the motor vehicle, on a gear selector switch, or the like.A voice recognition system can also be provided, in which case one of the authentication processes 12, 13 involves the recognition of the voice of the authorized user 2. Finally, these authentication processes 12, 13 can also be provided in any combination, for example, by using a voice recognition system in addition to facial recognition and again in addition to fingerprint recognition. Furthermore, another biometric characteristic of the authorized user 2 can also be used for the authentication process 12, 13.

[0041] In another, in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, if authorization is positively established for the first authentication process 12 or also for the further second authentication process 13, i.e., according to a Boolean "OR" operation 15 of the two authentication processes 12, 13, the execution 18 of the application 17 that can be effected by the locking system 3 is enabled. Here, the type and / or number of authentication processes 12, 13 can be specified by the authorized user 2, in such a way that the security level for the access and / or driving authorization for the motor vehicle 1 can be selected by the authorized user 2. If desired, just a single authentication process 12, 13 can thus be sufficient.To ensure the necessary security against manipulation and / or theft, the user 2 is expediently only able to reduce the security level after successful authentication of the maximum number of authentication processes 12, 13 provided.

[0042] If desired, the respective security level for the motor vehicle 1 can also be determined automatically based on time, situation, and / or location. For example, the authentication process 12 can be the transmission of the coded operating signal according to Fig. 3. Only in darkness, i.e. depending on the situation, is speech recognition an additional authentication process 13 in the form of an AND operation 14 according to Fig. 2. A brightness sensor is provided in motor vehicle 1 to detect darkness. This can be the brightness sensor for the automatic headlights of motor vehicle 1.

[0043] In a further example, the authentication processes 12, 13 include the transmission of the coded operating signal via the mobile phone 5 and the recognition of the fingerprint, with the fingerprint sensor being arranged on the start / stop button 11 for the start authorization of the motor vehicle 1. An additional fingerprint sensor is arranged on the door handle 16, such that the recognition of the fingerprint of the user 2 on the door handle 16 occurs as a further third authentication process 13 when the motor vehicle 1 is located in a metropolitan area. Depending on the location, the security level for the locking system 3 of the motor vehicle 1 can thus be increased. A GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor can be provided in the motor vehicle to detect the metropolitan area.

[0044] The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the invention also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the patent claims. Thus, the invention can be used not only for vehicle access and / or for the driving authorization of a motor vehicle. Rather, it can also be used for a door lock, for example, located on a property or the like, or for other control devices. In particular, this can be used to secure access to a living space and / or an office and / or other authorizations in the office, for example, at a PC (personal computer) workstation. Reference symbol list: 1 motor vehicle / vehicle 2 (authorized) users 3 locking system 4 first device / control device 5 second device / mobile phone 6 car doors 7 Signal / (Bluetooth) communication 8 Effective range 9 Transmitter and / or receiver 10 Start / Stop switch 11 Actuator (of start / stop switch) / start / stop button 12 (first) authentication process 13 (second / third) authentication process 14 AND operation 15 OR operation 16 Door handle 17 Application 18 Execution (of the application) QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 43 40 260 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Locking system, in particular for access and / or driving authorization in a motor vehicle (1) in the manner of a keyless entry / go functionality, with a first device (4) having at least two states, such as a control device for unlocking and / or locking the car doors (6), the ignition lock, the steering wheel lock, for releasing and / or locking the immobilizer, the engine control unit or the like, and with an associated second device (5), designed as an authorization carrier, in particular in the manner of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card, a mobile phone or the like, wherein upon authorization of the second device (5), a change in the state of the first device (4) can be effected, and wherein an authentication process (12) is provided for the second device (5) to determine the authorization, characterized bythat at least one further authentication process (13) is provided for determining the authorization, wherein the further authentication process (13) is different from the one authentication process (12), and that the change in the state of the first device (4) is only possible if the authorization is positively determined for both the one authentication process (12) and the further authentication process (13), in particular in the form of a serial link. [2] Locking system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the two devices (4, 5) have transmitters and / or receivers (9) for in particular electromagnetic signals (7) for their intended operation, such that communication between the two devices (4, 5) is possible, wherein at least one of the signals (7) transmitted between the second device (5) and the first device (4) is a coded operating signal, and that one of the authentication processes (12) is the positive evaluation of the coded operating signal. [3] Locking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second device (5) designed as a mobile phone is a smartphone, and that preferably the communication (7) between the first device (4) and the mobile phone (5) takes place by means of Bluetooth, in particular by means of Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE). [4] Locking system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized bythat a facial recognition system is provided, and that one of the authentication processes (12, 13) is the recognition of the face of the authorized user (2). [5] Locking system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that a fingerprint sensor is provided, wherein one of the authentication processes (12, 13) is the recognition of the fingerprint of the authorized user (2), and that the fingerprint sensor is preferably arranged in the exterior of the motor vehicle (1), in particular on the door handle (16), and / or in the interior of the motor vehicle (1), in particular on an operating element, such as an actuating member (11) for triggering the starting process for the motor vehicle (1), on a gear selector switch or the like. [6] Locking system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat a system for speech recognition is provided, and that one of the authentication processes (12, 13) is the recognition of the voice of the authorized user (2), wherein preferably a system for speech recognition and, in addition to facial recognition, and again in addition to fingerprint recognition is used. [7] Locking system, in particular for access and / or driving authorization in a motor vehicle (1) in the manner of a keyless entry / go functionality, with a first device (4) having at least two states, such as a control device for unlocking and / or locking the car doors (6), the ignition lock, the steering wheel lock, for releasing and / or locking the immobilizer, the engine control unit or the like, and with an associated second device (5), in particular designed as an authorization carrier in the manner of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card, a mobile phone or the like, wherein upon authorization of the second device (5), a change in the state of the first device (4) can be effected, and wherein an authentication process (12) is provided for the second device (5) to determine the authorization, characterized bythat the type and / or number of authentication processes (12, 13) can be determined by the authorized user (2), in particular such that the security level for the access and / or driving authorization can be selected by the authorized user (2). [8] Locking system according to claim 7, characterized by that the reduction of the security level by the user (2) is only possible after successful authentication of the maximum provided authentication processes (12, 13), and that preferably the respective security level can be determined automatically in a time- and / or situation- and / or location-controlled manner. [9] Locking system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized bythat the transmission of the coded operating signal is provided as one authentication process (12), and that only in the dark is speech recognition provided as a further authentication process (13), wherein a brightness sensor, in particular the brightness sensor for the automatic light of the motor vehicle (1), is preferably provided for detecting the darkness. [10] Locking system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized bythat the transmission of the coded operating signal by means of the mobile telephone (5) and the recognition of the fingerprint are provided as authentication processes (12, 13), wherein the fingerprint sensor is preferably arranged on the start-stop button (11) for the start authorization of the motor vehicle (1), and that further preferably an additional fingerprint sensor is arranged on the door handle (16) such that the recognition of the fingerprint of the user (2) on the door handle (16) takes place as a further authentication process (13) in the motor vehicle (1) located in a metropolitan area, wherein in particular a GPS sensor is provided for recognition of the metropolitan area.

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