METHOD FOR OPERATING A LOCKING SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, PORTABLE ID TRANSMITTER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND LOCKING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a locking system for a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a portable ID transmitter for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a locking system comprising an ID transmitter and a motor vehicle-mounted control unit.

[0002] Electronic locking systems that utilize radio communications are known from the prior art. A corresponding locking system can be found, for example, in DE 43 40 260 A1. Such locking systems are used in particular for operating motor vehicles. In operating motor vehicles, electronic locking systems serve, for example, as door locking systems, for immobilizers, for steering wheel locks, and / or for ignition lock systems.

[0003] Considerations on how communication between a key carried by the operator and a vehicle can be designed can be found in EP 2 612 795 A1. The document discloses the preamble features of independent claims 1 and 7.

[0004] Locking systems of this type are often referred to as keyless locking systems. The term "keyless" in this context refers to the fact that an operator carries a portable ID transmitter. This portable ID transmitter does not necessarily have to be actively operated. Instead, simply carrying the ID transmitter is sufficient to ensure operation of the locking system. For example, access can be granted or an engine start can be authorized simply by the operator approaching the vehicle. For clarity, electronic keyless locking systems are referred to as locking systems below.

[0005] To successfully verify the operator's authorization, conventional locking systems establish radio communication between the vehicle and the ID transmitter. State-of-the-art systems initially provide a low-frequency wake-up signal, which is initiated by a vehicle control unit, for example, at regular intervals. The low-frequency wake-up signal is then received by the ID transmitter. In response to a suitable low-frequency wake-up signal, the ID transmitter initiates high-frequency radio communication with the vehicle control unit.

[0006] The high-frequency bidirectional communication between the ID transmitter and the vehicle involves an exchange of identifying data, such as cryptographic keys. When such a cryptographic key is checked by the vehicle's control unit, it determines whether the operator is authorized or not authorized to operate the vehicle. The relevant function is triggered accordingly, for example, whether access to the vehicle is granted or denied.

[0007] In addition to the authorization check, the high-frequency communication can also be used to provide the vehicle's control unit with additional information about the operator. For example, the distance to the operator can be determined using the triangulation method.

[0008] The operation of such a locking system is energy-intensive, not least due to the required radio communication. The ID transmitter typically has a battery or rechargeable battery for the necessary power supply, referred to below as a power supply battery. For the operator, this entails the inconvenience of occasionally changing the power supply battery. To improve the user-friendliness of electronic locking systems, efforts are being made to reduce the energy consumption of the portable ID transmitter.

[0009] Measures for reducing the energy consumption of a portable ID transmitter can be found, for example, in DE 10 2011 001 226 A1. A portable ID transmitter is disclosed which, in addition to an operating mode, also has an energy-saving mode. The ID transmitter is capable of entering energy-saving mode after a certain period of time. For this purpose, the ID transmitter has a motion sensor. It is intended that the ID transmitter enters its energy-saving mode after a certain period of time without detected movement. If the motion sensor then detects movement of the ID transmitter, it applies a wake-up signal to a microcontroller of the ID transmitter. In response to the wake-up signal, the ID transmitter returns to the active operating state of the ID transmitter.

[0010] A similar approach is presented by DE 10 2011 050 160 A1.

[0011] Prior art locking systems with ID transmitters capable of entering energy-saving mode have a longer service life than previously known systems until the power source in the ID transmitter needs to be recharged, for example by changing the supply battery. However, this advantage comes with the disadvantage that situations arise in which the key enters energy-saving mode even though it is actually in use or should be. One example is a motor vehicle stationary for an extended period in a traffic jam, which after a certain period would cause the known ID transmitters to enter energy-saving mode. In such cases, it may happen that operation of the motor vehicle, for example starting the engine, is only possible again for the authorized operator after the ID transmitter has been moved.

[0012] Based on the prior art presented, the object of the invention is to provide an improved locking system for a motor vehicle, which has a portable ID transmitter of the aforementioned type. The locking system is intended to provide the advantages of the possibility of entering a power-saving mode via the ID transmitter, while avoiding or at least reducing the explained disadvantages of entering the power-saving mode in unfavorable situations.

[0013] The object is achieved by a method for operating a locking system having the features of claim 1, by a portable ID transmitter for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 7 and by a locking system having the features of claim 9.

[0014] The method according to the invention enables operation of a locking system for a motor vehicle, wherein the locking system has at least one motor vehicle-side control unit and a portable ID transmitter. The portable ID transmitter has at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The second operating mode is designed as an energy-saving mode. The ID transmitter has a supply battery, a motion sensor, which is preferably designed as a MEMS sensor, a microcontroller, a transmitting and receiving circuit controlled by the microcontroller for wireless communication between the ID transmitter and the motor vehicle-side control unit, and an LF receiving circuit coupled to the microcontroller for receiving LF wake-up signals transmitted in the LF frequency range.The second operating mode differs from the first operating mode at least in that the ID transmitter is ready to receive an LF wake-up signal in its first operating mode and is not ready to receive an LF wake-up signal in its second operating mode.

[0015] The ID transmitter is configured to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode depending on the movements of the ID transmitter detected by the motion sensor. A typical implementation of this approach is such that the ID transmitter enters the second operating mode after a predetermined period of inactivity during which the motion sensor detects no movement.

[0016] The method according to the invention comprises a step in which a set of state values, which is dependent on a usage mode of the motor vehicle, is transmitted to the ID transmitter by means of the motor vehicle control unit. The set of state values ​​is received by the transmitting and receiving circuit or by the LF receiving circuit. The method according to the invention further comprises a step in which, with the aid of the microcontroller, the set of state values ​​is evaluated in the first operating mode before a transition to the second operating mode, namely the energy-saving mode, and the activation of the energy-saving mode is carried out depending on the set of state values.

[0017] One aspect of the inventive approach is that the ID transmitter is informed, by means of a transmission of a set of status values, to what extent the usage mode of the vehicle present at a certain point in time should affect the behavior of the ID transmitter.

[0018] The set of state values ​​depends on the motor vehicle's usage mode. This means that different usage modes of the motor vehicle are provided, whereby the set of state values ​​can be different for two different usage modes of the motor vehicle. It is not necessary that a given set of state values ​​can be clearly deduced from a given set of state values. It is also not excluded that there are two different usage modes of the motor vehicle that are assigned to the same set of state values.Furthermore, it is not crucial that the ID transmitter itself has the information about the usage mode of the motor vehicle; what is crucial is that the ID transmitter can interpret the information in the state value set by the microcontroller evaluating the state value set and, on this basis, using the state value set, being informed about the further behavior of the ID transmitter for activating its energy-saving mode.

[0019] The intended further behavior of the ID transmitter depends on which of the vehicle's usage modes is present.

[0020] In particular, the set of state values ​​is transmitted via a suitable data type and contains a reference pointer.

[0021] A further aspect of the inventive approach is that before a transition to the second operating mode, namely the energy saving mode, the activation of the energy saving mode takes place depending on the set of state values.

[0022] In principle, the dependency of activating energy-saving mode can be implemented in different ways. The dependency of activating energy-saving mode on the set of state values ​​can, for example, consist in the ID transmitter determining from the set of state values ​​whether or not it is allowed to enter energy-saving mode.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the dependency on the set of state values ​​can, for example, provide for the ID transmitter to be informed of a time period after which, if no movement is detected, the ID transmitter should enter energy-saving mode. In this case, it can be expediently provided that the microcontroller evaluates the set of state values ​​immediately after the ID transmitter receives the set of state values, so that the specified time period can be precisely controlled when the set of state values ​​is sent.

[0024] The microcontroller activates the energy-saving mode based on the set of state values. This includes, in particular, the microcontroller evaluating the set of state values ​​to determine whether and / or how the microcontroller should initiate the activation of the energy-saving mode.

[0025] Such an evaluation of the state value set by the microcontroller can occur immediately after the transmission of the state value set; however, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the microcontroller evaluates the state value set at other times, for example, at regular intervals or after a predefined period without detected movement. It is essential to ensure that at least one evaluation of the state value set has been performed by the microcontroller before a transition to energy-saving mode.

[0026] In the event that the evaluation of the state value set is not planned, or is planned to take place only immediately after transmission, the state value set can be temporarily stored after transmission. For this purpose, the state value set can be stored in the memory unit of the ID transmitter, which is linked to the microcontroller and is explained below.

[0027] In summary, the method according to the invention provides a possibility to specifically provide and bring about a desired behavior for activating the energy-saving mode of the ID transmitter for different usage modes of the motor vehicle.

[0028] Advantageous and expedient embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0029] According to the invention, in the first operating mode, the microcontroller compares a reference pointer of the state value set with a set of references. The references are stored in a memory unit coupled to the microcontroller. If a match between the reference pointer and a reference is detected, the microcontroller activates the energy-saving mode according to an instruction parameter set associated with the matching reference.

[0030] According to the invention, instructions intended for various usage modes of the motor vehicle are stored on the memory unit in the form of instruction parameter sets. A memory unit is to be understood as a component part which is suitable for temporarily or permanently storing data. A flash memory can be provided as a memory unit, for example. An instruction parameter set is to be understood as an instruction or a set of instructions which, for a usage mode of the motor vehicle, inform the microcontroller whether and / or how the energy saving mode is to be activated. An instruction parameter set can, for example, have a value which indicates whether entry into the energy saving mode is intended at all or whether entry into the energy saving mode should instead be set to the blocked state.

[0031] The instruction parameter sets stored in the memory unit prior to the execution of the method, usually upon delivery of the motor vehicle, are provided with references. A consecutive number, for example, can be provided as a reference. It can be provided that a reference is uniquely assigned to a usage mode of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or in parallel, however, it can also be provided that a reference is assigned to more than one usage mode of the motor vehicle, for example, if two different usage modes of the motor vehicle are intended to result in the same behavior of the ID transmitter. The reference is referenced with a reference pointer, wherein the reference pointer is preferably implemented as a data type identical to the reference.

[0032] In such a configuration, the ID transmitter is communicated to the vehicle's usage mode via a reference. The microcontroller evaluates the reference based on a database of behaviors intended for various usage modes for activating the ID transmitter's energy-saving mode, namely the instruction parameter sets.

[0033] This embodiment of the method is based on the idea that the identification of the motor vehicle's usage mode can already be performed on the vehicle side, for example, using the vehicle's control unit. The reference pointer is then a code that is transmitted to the ID transmitter and is derived from the usage mode. The reference pointer then only needs to be checked by the microcontroller for identity of the reference pointer and reference by comparing it with references stored in the memory. This has the advantage that the amount of data to be transmitted can be kept low, which has a positive impact on the energy consumption of the ID transmitter.

[0034] Advantageously, it can be provided that the instruction parameter set includes an enable instruction that enables or disables the activation of the energy saving mode for the ID transmitter.

[0035] In the simplest case, the release instruction can be provided as a Boolean number, i.e. it can take the values ​​0 or 1.

[0036] A release instruction informs the ID transmitter whether or not it may enter energy-saving mode. Depending on the vehicle's respective usage mode, energy-saving mode can be specifically prevented from being activated. For example, in situations where it is anticipated that the user will want to operate the ID transmitter in its first operating mode, the ID transmitter can be prevented from entering energy-saving mode in the first place.

[0037] One advantage of the method is its user-friendliness, which results from reducing the frequency of situations in which a user must deliberately move the ID transmitter after a failed identification attempt. This is achieved, for example, by allowing the vehicle manufacturer to specifically exclude situations in which the ID transmitter inadvertently enters energy-saving mode. One example is a traffic jam, in which the vehicle remains stationary for an extended period, even though entering energy-saving mode is not usually desired.

[0038] The fact that situations in which energy-saving mode is inadvertently entered can be specifically avoided has the additional advantage that, in situations where entering energy-saving mode does not impair user comfort, the time required to enter energy-saving mode can be specifically shortened. In addition to further energy savings, this also results in the advantage of reducing the likelihood of so-called relay attacks. In the context of a contactless keyless locking system, a relay attack is a type of use by an unauthorized person. The relay attack is based on the principle of delaying the data transmission between the ID transmitter and the vehicle control unit, thus creating the illusion that the ID transmitter and, with it, the authorized user, is in the vicinity of the vehicle, contrary to the actual circumstances.Since a relay attack is not possible after the ID transmitter enters the energy-saving mode, the presented method not only improves user-friendliness but also increases the security of keyless locking systems.

[0039] According to the invention, if the reference pointer of the state value set does not match a reference value set, the microcontroller activates the energy-saving mode using a predetermined instruction parameter set. A default behavior is provided, which is used in the event that the ID transmitter receives no instructions from the vehicle control unit or receives instructions that it cannot interpret.

[0040] According to the invention, the instruction parameter set comprises a time instruction. This time instruction corresponds to a predetermined period of time, after which the energy-saving mode is activated if the ID transmitter has not been actuated during the period and no movement of the ID transmitter has been detected by the motion sensor. This provides the advantageous possibility of predefining different periods of time for different usage modes of the motor vehicle, for example by the motor vehicle manufacturer, during which the ID transmitter must remain stationary before it can enter its energy-saving mode. The behavior of the energy-saving mode can thus be adapted to expected behaviors.For example, entering an energy-saving mode during traffic light phases could be avoided and corresponding time periods could be provided for different countries if different countries have different lengths of traffic light phases.

[0041] According to a variant of the method not according to the invention, it can be provided alternatively or additionally that the state value set itself includes an enable value that enables or disables the activation of the energy-saving mode for the ID transmitter. In contrast to the instruction parameter set, which is only available to the ID transmitter after a comparison of the reference pointer and the reference, the enable value from the state value set is available to the ID transmitter immediately after it has been received and evaluated by the microcontroller. This embodiment of the method enables the control unit to immediately enable or disable activation of the energy-saving mode, regardless of whether references are stored in the memory unit or which references are stored in the memory unit.Providing the enable value leads to the advantageous reduction of required microcontroller operations, as access to information stored in the memory is required less frequently. Advantageous effects include reduced power consumption and an extended battery life.

[0042] According to the invention, each of the references stored on the storage unit is assigned an instruction parameter set, wherein at least one of the instruction parameter sets comprises a time instruction.

[0043] In the simplest case of the variant not according to the invention, the release parameter is provided as a Boolean number which can take either the value 1 or the value 0.

[0044] In a further variant not according to the invention, it can be provided that the set of state values ​​itself comprises a time value which corresponds to a predetermined period of time, after which the energy-saving mode is activated if the ID transmitter has not been actuated during the period and no movement of the ID transmitter has been detected by the motion sensor. This embodiment offers the possibility of a time value being transferred directly to the ID transmitter by means of the motor vehicle control unit. Values ​​can therefore be transferred which are determined by the motor vehicle control unit. This possibility of outsourcing the determination of the time value to the motor vehicle control unit can be advantageously used, for example, to be able to define time values ​​based on more complex calculation operations and using more extensive data.

[0045] An advantageous development of the method provides that the microcontroller is coupled to a manually operable button on the ID transmitter, and that upon actuation of the button by an operator, the enable value is overwritten with a specified value. Activation of the energy-saving mode is enabled or disabled depending on the specified value. This embodiment thus provides for behaviors selected by the operator to take priority for the ID transmitter.

[0046] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the activation of the energy-saving mode is enabled by activating the motion sensor and / or that the activation of the energy mode is blocked by deactivating the motion sensor. This implementation of activation or blocking is advantageous because the desired behavior can be realized by correspondingly activating or deactivating a single component. For example, blocking by deactivating the motion sensor results in the motion sensor having no output signals that indicate movement. With the appropriate setup, the microcontroller interprets the missing output signal to mean that activation of the energy-saving mode is blocked regardless of a corresponding movement of the ID transmitter because it is not desired.

[0047] According to a further development of the method, the motion sensor is deactivated for activating energy-saving mode depending on the set of state values. This development is based on the idea that the motion sensor itself can be activated or deactivated, with the advantage that even if the ID transmitter is moved in energy-saving mode, the ID transmitter is not woken up. This has the advantage of effectively preventing relay attacks. If usage modes become known in which relay attacks prove to be more likely, the motion sensor can be advantageously deactivated using a correspondingly adapted set of state values ​​when activating energy-saving mode. Waking up the ID transmitter and re-entering the first operating mode must then be done by a manual action by the user, for example, pressing a corresponding function key located on the ID transmitter.

[0048] According to a further advantageous development of the method, the LF receiving circuit is deactivated to activate the energy-saving mode of the ID transmitter. Furthermore, it can be provided, for example, that the microcontroller is put into energy-saving mode to activate the energy-saving mode of the ID transmitter. In energy-saving mode, the microcontroller only needs to be able to detect a low wake-up potential applied to the microcontroller by the motion sensor.

[0049] In the embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the transmitting and receiving circuit is designed as an RF transmitting and receiving circuit.

[0050] Furthermore, it can be provided, for example, that the vehicle-side control unit transmits the set of status values ​​to the ID transmitter for reception with its RF reception circuit.

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, a set of status values ​​is provided for at least one of the usage modes a) the motor vehicle is moving, b) a specified number of seats in the motor vehicle are occupied, c) a specified door of the motor vehicle is opened, d) a specified fuel tank opening of the motor vehicle is opened, e) the motor vehicle is within a specified radius of the specified geographical position.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method is designed such that the activation of the energy saving mode is blocked when the motor vehicle is moving.

[0053] The aforementioned usage modes have the advantage that they can be detected using sensors that are already present in conventional modern motor vehicles. The desired methods can thus be implemented in existing motor vehicles without significant additional costs. For example, data collected using a vehicle's GPS sensor can also be used to determine the usage mode.

[0054] For example, for one or more of the usage modes a) to e) listed above, it may be provided that the activation of the energy saving mode is blocked.

[0055] A further aspect of the invention relates to a portable ID transmitter for a motor vehicle. The portable ID transmitter comprises: a supply battery, a motion sensor, a microcontroller, a transmitting and receiving circuit controlled by the microcontroller for wireless communication between the ID transmitter and the motor vehicle control unit, an LF receiving circuit coupled to the microcontroller for receiving wake-up signals transmitted in the LF frequency range, and a memory unit coupled to the microcontroller. The ID transmitter is configured to be able to assume at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, of which the second operating mode is configured as an energy-saving mode.The microcontroller is configured to evaluate a set of state values ​​transmitted by a motor vehicle control unit and dependent on a usage mode of the motor vehicle in the memory unit after the set of state values ​​has been received by the transmitting and receiving circuit or LF receiving circuit. Furthermore, the microcontroller is configured to activate the energy-saving mode in the first operating mode, depending on the set of state values, before transitioning to the second operating mode, namely the energy-saving mode.

[0056] In a further development, the microcontroller is designed to store the set of state values ​​in the memory unit after the set of state values ​​has been received by the transmitting and receiving circuit or LF receiving circuit.

[0057] Advantageously, the microcontroller is configured to carry out one of the methods according to the invention described and explained at the outset.

[0058] A further idea of ​​the invention relates to a locking system which has an ID transmitter of the type described above and a motor vehicle control unit which is set up for wireless communication with the ID transmitter so that the ID transmitter is capable of carrying out a method of the type presented above in cooperation with the motor vehicle control unit.

[0059] The portable ID transmitter and the locking system provide the explained advantages of the method according to the invention and its further developments in an analogous manner.

[0060] Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention emerge from the following description in conjunction with the drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0061] It is understood that the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or alone. However, the present invention is defined by independent claims 1 and 7.

[0062] They show: Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a locking system according to the invention; Fig. 2 : a schematic representation of a portable ID transmitter according to the invention for a motor vehicle; Fig. 3 : a flow chart for an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating a locking system; Fig. 4 : a schematic representation of a set of state values; Fig. 5 : a flow chart for another exemplary embodiment of a method, in this case not according to the invention, for operating a locking system; Fig. 6 : a schematic representation of sets of state values ​​which are not used in the present invention.

[0063] How Fig. 1 As can be seen, the motor vehicle control unit 8 together with the ID transmitter 1 represents a locking system for the motor vehicle 9.

[0064] Fig. 2 1 shows an exemplary representation of a portable ID transmitter 1 for a motor vehicle 9. The ID transmitter 1 contains an LF receiver circuit 6, which consists of receiver coils and LF amplifier circuits. The LF receiver circuit 6 is coupled to a microcontroller 4. For bidirectional communication with a motor vehicle control unit, an RF transmitter and receiver circuit 5 is provided, which is coupled to the microcontroller 4. The ID transmitter 1 further comprises a motion sensor 3 designed as a MEMS element. The motion sensor 3 is coupled via a line to an input port of the microcontroller 4. When the motion sensor 3 detects a movement of the ID transmitter 1, it outputs a corresponding signal via the connecting line to the microcontroller 4. The ID transmitter 1 further comprises a memory unit 7, which is designed as a non-volatile flash memory.The ID transmitter also includes a mechanical button 8 that can be manually operated by an operator. When the button is pressed by the operator, an enabling parameter is overwritten with a specified value, in this case, the value "Enable activation of energy-saving mode," and activation of energy-saving mode is enabled according to the specified value. The ID transmitter contains a supply battery 2 to power the ID transmitter.

[0065] Another example of a portable ID transmitter that can be set up to carry out the intended procedure can be found in DE 10 2011 001 226 A1.

[0066] Of particular importance is the microcontroller 4, which is configured to carry out one of the methods explained above.

[0067] Fig. 3 A flow chart for an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating a locking system can be seen.

[0068] In a first step 14, the motor vehicle 9 enters a usage mode. The usage mode refers to a predefined state of the motor vehicle 9. The usage mode is detected using sensors arranged on the motor vehicle 9. If the motor vehicle control unit 8 determines the predefined usage mode with the aid of the sensors of the motor vehicle 9, a set of status values ​​11 is transmitted to the ID transmitter 1. The transmission of the set of status values ​​11 is initiated by the motor vehicle control unit 8 and, in the example shown, is carried out via the RF transmitter system of the motor vehicle 9 (process point 15). The ID transmitter then receives the set of status values ​​11 via the transmitter and receiver circuit 5 designed as an RF transmitter and receiver circuit 5 (process point 16).The ID transmitter 1 then stores the state value set 15 for possible later retrieval by storing it in the memory unit 7 of the ID transmitter 1 (process point 17). At a decision point 18, a check is made to determine whether a reference pointer of the state value set 11 matches a set of references. If this is not the case, the corresponding branching path results in the selection of a predetermined instruction parameter set. In the example shown, the predetermined instruction parameter set results in the enablement of the energy-saving mode. In addition to the enable, the predetermined instruction parameter set includes an instruction, which in this example is 1, so that the activation of the energy-saving mode is enabled, as well as a time value, which in the example is N seconds (process point 19).After the specified time period of N seconds has elapsed (process point 20), the energy saving mode is activated (process point 21) by putting the microcontroller 4 into an energy saving mode and switching off the LF receiving circuit 6 of the ID transmitter 1.

[0069] The described process steps occur immediately one after the other, eliminating any waiting times other than unavoidable delays, such as those due to electronic processing times. However, other configurations are also possible, in which, for example, an evaluation of a set of status values ​​is only performed shortly before the ID transmitter enters energy-saving mode.

[0070] If a match between the reference pointer and a reference is detected at branch 18, the microcontroller reads the instruction parameter set associated with the matching reference (process point 22). In the example shown, activation of the energy-saving mode is disabled, so that the ID transmitter does not enter energy-saving mode (process point 23).

[0071] Fig. 4 A set of state values ​​11 is shown schematically. In the illustration shown, the set of state values ​​11 consists of a reference pointer 12 and does not contain any further information. Furthermore, Fig. 4 schematically shows a number of references 12'a, 12'b, 12'c, 12'n. Each of the references 12'a, 12'b, 12'c, 12'n is assigned an instruction parameter set 13a, 13b, 13c, 13n. In the example of Fig. 4 The entirety of a reference 12'a, 12'b, 12'c, 12n and an instruction parameter set 13a, 13b, 13c, 13n is stored in a composite data type on the storage unit 7. In the case shown, the reference pointer 12 of the state value set corresponds to the reference 12'a, which is linked to the instruction parameter set 13a. The method according to Fig. 1 would therefore be carried out in a usage mode of the motor vehicle 9 to which the state value set 11 is assigned, using the instruction parameters of the instruction parameter set 13a. In the example shown, the instruction parameter set 13a includes an enable instruction "1" that enables the ID transmitter to activate the energy-saving mode. Furthermore, a time value of 2 s is specified, so that the ID transmitter enters its energy-saving mode after 2 s of no operation and no movement.

[0072] Fig. 5 an alternative, non-inventive, procedure can be found. Fig. 5 The example procedure shown in the following is different from that of the Fig. 3 The example shown in the figure is that the set of status values ​​does not have a reference pointer, but the set of status values ​​itself includes an enable value of "1". Furthermore, the set of status values ​​includes a time value corresponding to a predetermined period of time, in this case 2 s, after which the energy saving mode is activated if the ID transmitter has not been operated during this period and no movement of the ID transmitter has been detected by the motion sensor. Since the actions to be performed are immediately available to the ID transmitter 1 with the transmission of the set of status values ​​11, unlike in the example of the Fig. 3 , no matching of a reference pointer with a set of references is required. First, the process steps 24 to 27 are carried out analogously to steps 14 to 17 according to the flow chart of the Fig. 3 After evaluating the set of state values ​​11 (process point 28), a timer on the microcontroller 4 checks whether the specified time period of 2 s has elapsed (process point 29); when the time period has elapsed, energy-saving mode is entered (process point 30). The process steps described follow one another directly, so that apart from unavoidable delays, e.g., due to electronic runtimes, there are no waiting times. However, other designs are also possible, in which, for example, an evaluation of a set of state values ​​is only carried out shortly before the ID transmitter possibly enters energy-saving mode.

[0073] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of state value sets 31a and 31b, each of which has a release value 32a, 32b and, in the case of state value set 31a, a time value 32a.

Claims

1. Method for operating a locking system for a motor vehicle (9), the locking system having a motor vehicle control unit (8) and a portable ID transmitter (1) which has at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, of which the second operating mode is designed as an energy-saving mode, where the ID transmitter (1) comprises a supply battery (2), a motion sensor (3), a microcontroller (4) a transmitting and receiving circuit (5) controlled by the microcontroller (4) for wireless communication of the ID transmitter (1) with the control unit (8) on the vehicle, and an LF receiver circuit (6) coupled to the microcontroller (4) for receiving LF wake-up signals transmitted in the LF frequency range, wherein the motion sensor is coupled to the microcontroller and wherein the microcontroller effects a switchover between the first operating mode, in which the ID transmitter is ready to receive the LF wake-up signals, and the second operating mode, in which the ID transmitter is not ready to receive the LF wake-up signals, as a function of the movements of the ID transmitter detected by the motion sensor (3) whereby a status value set dependent on a utilization mode of the motor vehicle (9) is transmitted to the ID transmitter (1) by means of the control device (8) on the vehicle side, which is received by the transmitting and receiving circuit or by the LF receiving circuit, and the status value set (11) is evaluated with the aid of the microcontroller (4) in the first operating mode before a transition to the second operating mode, namely the energy-saving mode, and the activation of the energy-saving mode is carried out as a function of the status value set (11), characterized in that, in the first operating mode, the microcontroller compares a reference pointer (12) of the status value set (11) with a set of references which are stored on a memory unit (7) coupled to the microcontroller (4), wherein the microcontroller (4) in the event of a detected match of the reference pointer (12) with a reference, activates the energy-saving mode in accordance with an instruction parameter set assigned to the matching reference, and wherein, in the event of no detected match of the reference pointer of the status value set with a reference value set, the microcontroller (4) performs the activation of the energy saving mode with a predetermined instruction parameter set, wherein each of the references (12'a, 12'b, 12'c, 12'n) stored on the memory unit (7) is assigned an instruction parameter set (13a, 13b, 13c, 13n) is assigned, at least one of the instruction parameter sets (13a, 13b, 13c, 13n) comprising a time instruction which corresponds to a predetermined time duration, after the expiry of which the activation of the energy-saving mode is carried out if the ID transmitter (1) was not actuated during the time duration and no movement of the ID transmitter (1) was detected by the motion sensor (3), so that different periods of time can be defined for different usage modes of the vehicle during which the ID transmitter must remain motionless before it can enter its energy-saving mode.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation of the energy-saving mode is enabled by activating the motion sensor (3) and / or in that the activation of the energy mode is disabled by deactivating the motion sensor (3).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - depending on the status value set, the motion sensor (3) is switched off when the energy-saving mode is activated; - when the energy-saving mode of the ID transmitter (1) is activated, the LF receiver circuit (6) is switched off and / or - the microcontroller (4) is set to energy-saving mode when the energy-saving mode of the ID transmitter (1) is activated.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitting and receiving circuit (5) is designed as an RF transmitting and receiving circuit (5).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit (8) on the vehicle side transmits the status value set to the ID transmitter (1) for reception with its RF receiver circuit (5).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a status value set is provided for at least one of the usage modes a) the motor vehicle (9) is moving, b) a specified number of seats in the motor vehicle (9) are occupied, c) a predetermined door of the motor vehicle (9) is opened, d) a predetermined tank opening of the motor vehicle (9) is opened, e) the motor vehicle (9) is located within a predetermined radius of a predetermined geographical position.

7. Portable ID transmitter (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a) One supply battery (2), b) a motion sensor (3), c) a microcontroller (4), d) a transmitting and receiving circuit (5) controlled by the microcontroller (4) for wireless communication of the ID transmitter (1) with the control unit (8) on the vehicle side, e) an LF receiver circuit (6) coupled to the microcontroller (4) for receiving alarm signals transmitted in the LF frequency range, f) a memory unit (7) coupled to the microcontroller (4), wherein the ID transmitter (1) is set up to be able to adopt at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, of which the second operating mode is designed as an energy-saving mode, wherein the microcontroller (4) is set up to - to receive a status value set (11) transmitted by a motor vehicle control unit (8) and dependent on a utilization mode of the motor vehicle (9) with the transmitting and receiving circuit (5) or LF receiver circuit (6), and - in the first operating mode before a transition to the second operating mode, namely the energy-saving mode, to evaluate the set of status values (11) and to activate the energy-saving mode as a function of the set of status values (11), characterized in that the microcontroller (4) is set up for this purpose, - in the first operating mode, matching a reference pointer (12) of the status value set (11) with a set of references stored on a memory unit (7) coupled to the microcontroller (4), and in the case of a detected match of the reference pointer (12) with a reference, activating the energy saving mode according to an instruction parameter set associated with the matched reference and stored on the memory device, wherein each of the references (12'a, 12'b, 12'c, 12'n) stored on the memory unit (7) is assigned an instruction parameter set (13a, 13b, 13c, 13n), wherein at least one of the instruction parameter sets (13a, 13b, 13c, 13n) comprises a time instruction which corresponds to a predetermined time period, after the expiry of which the activation of the energy-saving mode is carried out if the ID transmitter (1) was not actuated during the time period and no movement of the ID transmitter (1) was detected by the motion sensor (3), so that different periods of time can be defined for different usage modes of the vehicle during which the ID transmitter must remain motionless before it can enter its energy-saving mode.

8. Portable ID transmitter (1) according to claim 7, wherein the microcontroller (4) is set up to store the status value set (11) transmitted by the motor vehicle control unit (8) and dependent on a utilization mode of the motor vehicle (9) in the memory unit (7) after the status value set (11) has been received by the transmitting and receiving circuit (5) or LF receiver circuit (6).

9. Locking system, comprising an ID transmitter (1) according to claim 7 or according to claim 8, and a control unit (8) on the vehicle side, which is set up for wireless communication with the ID transmitter (1), the locking system being set up to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6.