METHOD FOR OPERATING A MONITORING DEVICE FOR AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE PARAMETER

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a monitoring device for at least one vehicle parameter, in particular a tire pressure monitoring system for the vehicle parameter tire pressure.

[0002] The invention further relates to a monitoring device for at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle, in particular a tire pressure monitoring system for the vehicle parameter tire pressure. State of the art

[0003] Although generally applicable to any monitoring devices, the present invention is described in relation to tire pressure monitoring systems, also called Tire Pressure Monitoring System - TPMS.

[0004] Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) monitor tire pressure in motor vehicles to prevent accidents caused by incorrect tire pressure. Maintaining the optimal tire pressure for each vehicle reduces both fuel consumption and tire wear. TPMS can detect changes in tire pressure actively using electronic pressure sensors that transmit the pressure and identification data wirelessly to a control unit at regular intervals, or passively by monitoring changes in rolling circumference and characteristic vibration frequencies of the wheel.

[0005] The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can operate not only in driving mode, i.e., when the vehicle is moving and the tire pressure needs to be actively monitored, but also in stationary mode, for example, for repair purposes. In stationary mode, the TPMS attempts to connect to an external service device. Since stationary mode is also used when the vehicle is stopped in a traffic jam or similar situation, all sensors in every vehicle attempt to establish a connection with an external service device by transmitting connection information. This leads to an overload of the relevant radio frequencies and also wastes energy unnecessarily.

[0006] Document US 2019 / 184774 A1 describes a tire pressure monitoring system.

[0007] Document US 2020 / 254830 A1 includes a tire pressure gauge.

[0008] Document US 10 206 231 B1 describes a module and system for a tire pressure monitoring system, as well as a procedure for confirming data transmissions for tire pressure monitoring systems.

[0009] Document US 2005 / 110623 A1 describes a method for monitoring tire pressure in vehicles. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for operating a monitoring device for at least one vehicle parameter, in particular a tire pressure monitoring system for the vehicle parameter tire pressure, with the features of claim 1.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a monitoring device for at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle, in particular a tire pressure monitoring system for the vehicle parameter tire pressure, with the features of claim 9.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle with a monitoring device according to claim 10.

[0013] One of the advantages achieved is energy savings. Another potential advantage is the prevention of "jamming," meaning overloading of the relevant frequency ranges by transmitting communication messages or signals when switching from driving mode to stationary mode.

[0014] The term "passive searching" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to an operating state in which signals can be received, but no signals are sent out to establish a connection.

[0015] The term "external device" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to any device outside the monitoring device. An "external device" is not limited to devices outside a vehicle, but also includes devices inside a vehicle.

[0016] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent therein.

[0017] According to the invention, the switch from driving mode to the first intermediate mode occurs when a first vehicle speed threshold is undershot, in particular wherein the switch from driving mode to the first intermediate mode occurs when the vehicle is stationary, and wherein the switch from the first intermediate mode to driving mode occurs when a second vehicle speed threshold is exceeded, wherein the two vehicle speed thresholds are different, preferably wherein the second vehicle speed threshold is higher than the first vehicle speed threshold. One of the advantages achieved is that a simple and quick switch to the first intermediate mode can be made. At the same time, the switch back to driving mode – for example, if the vehicle is in a traffic jam – only occurs when a corresponding upper threshold is exceeded.Two independent thresholds, which can also be adjusted if necessary, increase flexibility.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the switch from the first intermediate mode to the standby mode occurs after a predetermined period of time, particularly if no external device has been detected during this period. The advantage of this is that the monitoring device only operates in standby mode and actively sends out connection signals to connect to the external device after the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, if an external device is detected in the first intermediate mode, the system switches to a second intermediate mode and the monitoring device sends out connection signals to establish a wireless connection with the detected external device. This enables a simple and reliable connection between the monitoring device and the external device.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, if, in the second intermediate state, after a predetermined time period has elapsed, and in particular if no wireless connection with the detected external device has been established during this period, the system switches from the second intermediate state to the first intermediate state. The advantage of this is that the system continues to passively search for an external device without directly switching to standby mode. Thus, for example, if the external device was not within range or only briefly within range, a connection can still be established within a certain time period once the external device is brought back within range of the monitoring device.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, if a wireless connection between the monitoring device and the external device is interrupted and / or terminated, particularly after a predetermined period of time, preferably during which no data is transmitted between the external device and the monitoring device, the device switches to standby mode. This avoids unnecessary (re)connection attempts, thus saving energy.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the second intermediate state the transmission power of the monitoring device is reduced, at least temporarily, when connection signals are sent to connect to the external device. This ensures that the external device is in close proximity to the monitoring device, so that a reliable connection with the external device can be established.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the first intermediate state, identification data of a detected external device, in particular a MAC ID, is stored and used accordingly in the second intermediate state when initiating the wireless connection with the external device. The advantage is a simple and fast connection between the external device and the monitoring device.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wireless connection is based on Bluetooth, in particular on Bluetooth Low Energy radio technology. This provides a cost-effective, simple and reliable wireless connection.

[0025] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0026] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Preferred embodiments and configurations of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components or elements. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] This is shown in schematic form Fig. 1 Steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2 a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0029] Figure 1shows in schematic form the steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention and Figure 2 a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In detail, it shows Figure 1 Various operating states of a monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The monitoring device is here designed in the form of a tire pressure sensor of a vehicle.

[0031] In driving mode S1, the vehicle 1 is moving and the monitoring device, in the form of a tire pressure sensor 2, monitors the tire pressure in one of the vehicle's tires. For this purpose, a wireless connection based on the Bluetooth Low Energy standard exists between the tire pressure sensor 2 and a control unit 4 in the vehicle 1, and the tire pressure sensor 2 continuously transmits so-called "advertisement indication frames" to indicate its presence to the control unit 4.

[0032] If the speed of vehicle 1 decreases to 0 km / h, meaning vehicle 1 is stationary, a change occurs T12 from driving mode S1, the operating state of the tire pressure sensor 2, to a first intermediate mode S2. In this first intermediate mode S2, the tire pressure sensor 2 performs a passive scan for an external device, such as a programming device 3. The aforementioned "advertisement indication frames" are no longer transmitted. The passive scan continues until, for example, vehicle 1 moves above a predefined speed, such as 5 km / h. Then, a change T21 occurs back to driving mode S1 of the tire pressure sensor 2. If no programming device 3 is detected within a predefined time period in the first intermediate mode S2 due to the passive scan, a change T25 occurs to a stationary mode S5, in which "advertisement indication frames" are transmitted by the tire pressure sensor 2.

[0033] If the presence of a programming device 3 is detected in the first intermediate mode S2 due to the passive scan, a switch T23 to a second intermediate mode S3 occurs, in which connection signals – connection advertisement frames – are now actively transmitted by the tire pressure sensor 2 to connect to the detected programming device 3. The detected programming device 3 can be identified, for example, by its MAC address. This MAC address can be stored in the tire pressure sensor 2 and later used to establish a connection by transmitting corresponding advertisement direct indications. The MAC address can also be verified when a connection request is received from a programming device 3.Similarly, in the second intermediate mode, the transmission power of the tire pressure sensor 2 can be reduced during the connection process to ensure that the programming device 3 is in close proximity to the tire pressure sensor 2 and that the desired tire pressure sensor 2 can be serviced.

[0034] If no connection is established with the detected programming device 3 after a certain period of time, the system switches back to the first intermediate mode S2 (T32). However, if a connection is established with the detected programming device 3, the tire pressure sensor 2 switches to a maintenance mode S4 (T34), in which a connection with the programming device 3 is then established for maintenance purposes. For this, the programming device 3 sends a corresponding connection request to the tire pressure sensor 2.

[0035] If the connection with the programming device 3 is now interrupted, for example when maintenance is completed or if no data exchange takes place between programming device 3 and tire pressure sensor 2 within a specified time period, T45 switches to standby mode S5, in which "advertisement indication frames" are again sent out by the tire pressure sensor 2.

[0036] The underlying principle of the procedure described above is based on the following profiles, which are assumed by tire pressure sensor 2 and programming device 3 during mode changes. Initially, tire pressure sensor 2 assumes a central role by performing passive scans and switches to a decentralized role upon detecting a programming device 3. Programming device 3, on the other hand, starts in the decentralized role and sends out advertisement packets. Programming device 3 then switches to the central role, searching for connectable sensors 2 and connecting to them.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many ways.

Claims

1. Method for operating a monitoring device (2) for at least one vehicle parameter, in particular an air pressure sensor for the vehicle parameter of tyre pressure, wherein the monitoring device (2) is operated in a driving mode (S1) or in a stationary mode depending on the speed of the vehicle (1), wherein in the stationary mode connection signals for wireless connection to an external device (3, 4), in particular a configuration device for the monitoring device (2), are emitted, and wherein, before switching to the stationary mode (S5), the monitoring device (2) is operated in a first intermediate mode (S2), wherein in the first intermediate mode (S2) there is a passive search for wireless connection signals from the external device (3, 4), wherein the switch (T12) from the driving mode (S1) to the first intermediate mode (S2) takes place when a first driving speed threshold value is undershot, in particular wherein the switch (T12) from the driving mode (S1) to the first intermediate mode (S2) takes place when the vehicle (1) is at a standstill, characterized in that the switch (T21) from the first intermediate mode (S2) to the driving mode (S1) takes place when a second driving speed threshold value is exceeded, wherein the two driving speed threshold values are different, preferably wherein the second driving speed threshold value is greater than the first driving speed threshold value.

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the switch (T25) from the first intermediate mode (S2) to the stationary mode (S5) takes place after the expiry of a predefined period of time, in particular if no external device (3, 4) was detected during the period of time.

3. Method according to one of Claims 1 - 2, wherein, if an external device (3, 4) is detected in the first intermediate mode (S2), there is a switch to a second intermediate mode (S3) and the monitoring device (2) emits connection signals for establishing a wireless connection to the detected external device (3, 4).

4. Method according to Claim 3, wherein, if no wireless connection to the detected external device (3, 4) has taken place in the second intermediate state (S3) after expiry of a predefined period of time, in particular during the period of time, there is a switch from the second intermediate state (S3) to the first intermediate state (S2).

5. Method according to one of Claims 1-4, wherein, if a wireless connection of the monitoring device (2) to the external device (3, 4) is interrupted and / or terminated, in particular after a predefined period of time, preferably no further data were transmitted between the external device (3, 4) and the monitoring device (2) in this period time, there is a switch to the stationary mode (S5).

6. Method according to one of Claims 1 - 5, wherein in the second intermediate state (S3) the transmission power of the monitoring device (2) is at least temporarily reduced if connection signals for connection to the external device (3, 4) are emitted.

7. Method according to Claim 3, wherein in the first intermediate state (S2) identification data relating to a detected external device (3, 4), in particular a MAC ID, are stored and are used accordingly in the second intermediate state (S3) when initiating the wireless connection to the external device (3, 4).

8. Method according to one of Claims 1-7, wherein the wireless connection is based on Bluetooth, in particular on Bluetooth low energy radio technology.

9. Monitoring device (2) for at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle (1), in particular an air pressure sensor for the vehicle parameter of tyre pressure, wherein the monitoring device (2) can be operated in a driving mode (S1) or in a stationary mode (S5) depending on the speed of the vehicle (1), wherein the monitoring device (2) is designed to emit in the stationary mode (S5) connection signals for wireless connection to an external device (3, 4), in particular a configuration device for the monitoring device (2), and, before a switch to the stationary mode (S5), can be operated in a first intermediate mode (S2), wherein in the first intermediate mode (S2) there is a passive search for wireless connection signals from an external device (3, 4), wherein the switch (T12) from the driving mode (S1) to the first intermediate mode (S2) takes place when a first driving speed threshold value is undershot, in particular wherein the switch (T12) from the driving mode (S1) to the first intermediate mode (S2) takes place when the vehicle (1) is at a standstill, characterized in that the switch (T21) from the first intermediate mode (S2) to the driving mode (S1) takes place when a second driving speed threshold value is exceeded, wherein the two driving speed threshold values are different, preferably wherein the second driving speed threshold value is greater than the first driving speed threshold value.

10. Vehicle (1) having a monitoring device (2) according to Claim 10.