Use of vehicle system for UWB and non-UWB communication

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for using a vehicle system that has previously registered one or more identifiers. Each identifier comprises an electrical power source. The system and the one or more identifiers are configured to communicate using a UWB communication protocol and a non-UWB communication protocol. The method periodically comprises, between the system and the one or more identifiers, UWB exchanges (312) using the UWB communication protocol and non-UWB exchanges (310, 320) using the non-UWB communication protocol. Each respective period comprises, between the system and the one or more identifiers, one or more non-UWB exchanges (310, 320) and one or more UWB exchanges (312). The first UWB exchange of the respective period starts at or after the end of the first non-UWB exchange (310) of the respective period. No UWB exchange of the respective period exhibits concomitance with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period. The method provides improved use of the vehicle system.

Description

Use of vehicle system for UWB and non-UWB communication

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of using a vehicle system, a computer program for such a system, a storage medium for such a program and such a vehicle system. Technical background

[0002] Today, there are vehicles equipped with systems that have recorded one or more identifiers, for example, portable devices such as key fobs or smartphones. Each identifier includes an electrical energy source (for example, a battery) allowing it to be portable. Such systems allow the vehicle to perform functions, such as locating the one or more identifiers. For example, the vehicle can command the vehicle to open when its owner approaches the vehicle by locating the owner using an identifier worn by the owner. To perform these functions, the system and the one or more identifiers can be configured to use a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication protocol and communicate using UWB exchanges, for example periodically.Such UWB communication is notably robust to attacks, which increases security for critical applications such as opening doors and / or starting the vehicle.

[0003] The use of such UWB communication may be conditioned, for example by a regulation or a standard. Indeed, UWB exchanges can consume too much energy. This is why, in order to condition its use, the system and the one or more identifiers may also use another (non-UWB) communication protocol. This other communication protocol may be used to verify that one is in a situation in which UWB communication can be used. For example, the system and the one or more identifiers may be configured to only carry out UWB exchanges when the one or more identifiers are close to the vehicle, and the proximity of the one or more identifiers to the vehicle may be detected by exchanges using the other non-UWB communication protocol.Non-UWB exchanges can also be repeated periodically to detect when the one or more identifiers are no longer close to the vehicle, and at that point stop the UWB exchanges.

[0004] Communication via UWB exchanges therefore implies the use of another (non-UWB) communication protocol by the system. This leads to a risk that UWB exchanges take place at the same time as non-UWB exchanges. However, such a concomitance of UWB and non-UWB exchanges induces current peaks in one or more identifiers, causing in particular an accelerated reduction in the lifespan of the energy source supplying each identifier.

[0005] Laillustrates two examples of situations 100, 200 in which such concomitance between UWB and non-UWB exchanges occurs in the communication between a system and an identifier. In these examples, the other non-UWB communication protocol is a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication protocol. For each example, lashows a time evolution of the BLE exchanges 101, 201, the UWB exchanges 102, 202 and the current in the identifier 103, 203 in each of the two examples of situations 100, 200.

[0006] In the first example 100, the communication comprises periodic BLE exchanges between the system and the identification. The first BLE exchange notably comprises the sending of a UWB exchange configuration, and notably induces a first increase in the current 113 in the identifier. Indeed, the performance of this first BLE exchange increases the resource requirement for the identifier. After this first increase, the current returns to a first low level 123, which corresponds to the consumption floor of the BLE timer. Following this first BLE exchange and the sending of the UWB configuration, periodic UWB exchanges 112 begin. These periodic UWB exchanges 112 are performed at the same time as the periodic BLE exchanges 110, but not at the same frequency.

[0007] The first of these UWB exchanges 112 induces a second increase in current 133 in the identifier. The current then returns to a second low level 143, which corresponds to the consumption floor of the BLE and UWB timers together. This first UWB exchange 112 is not concomitant with the first BLE exchange 110. The second increase in current 133 therefore does not add up with the first 113, and therefore does not produce a current peak in the identifier. However, for the third UWB exchange 122, this is carried out this time at the same time as a BLE exchange 120. The increases induced by these exchanges therefore add up in the intersection interval of the two exchanges 153, causing a current peak in the identifier which degrades the lifetime of the electrical energy source of the identifier.

[0008] In the second example 200, the frequency of UWB exchanges is this time lower. However, it shows that even in this situation, UWB and BLE exchanges can occur at the same time, also inducing current peaks 213, 223 causing a premature reduction in the lifetime of the electrical energy source of the identifier.

[0009] There is therefore a need to improve the use of such a system. Summary

[0010] To this end, a method is proposed for using a vehicle system having stored one or more identifiers. Each identifier comprises an electrical energy source. The system and the one or more identifiers are configured to communicate using a UWB communication protocol and a non-UWB communication protocol. The method periodically comprises, between the system and the one or more identifiers, UWB exchanges using the UWB communication protocol and non-UWB exchanges using the non-UWB communication protocol. Each respective period comprises, between the system and the one or more identifiers, one or more non-UWB exchanges and one or more UWB exchanges. The first UWB exchange of the respective period begins at or after the end of the first non-UWB exchange of the respective period. No UWB exchange of the respective period has a concomitance with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period.

[0011] The first non-UWB exchange of each respective period may comprise a sending of a configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period.

[0012] After a first period, the first non-UWB exchange of each respective period may further comprise sending a signal triggering the one or more UWB exchanges.

[0013] The configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period may indicate a delay in the initiation of the one or more UWB exchanges from the start or end of the one or more non-UWB exchanges.

[0014] Each identifier may comprise a UWB component. The configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period may indicate that the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period take place after a power-off or sleep state of the UWB component.

[0015] Each UWB exchange may include a distance measurement between the system and the one or more identifiers. At least one period may include multiple UWB exchanges.

[0016] The non-UWB communication protocol can be a BLE communication protocol.

[0017] Each identifier may comprise a UWB component, a BLE component, and internal communication between the UWB component and the BLE component. The method may comprise, after the first non-UWB exchange, sending a wake-up signal from the BLE component to the UWB component using the internal communication.

[0018] The electrical energy source may be a battery, preferably a button cell, and / or having a diameter less than 25 millimeters and / or a height less than 6 millimeters. For each identifier, UWB and non-UWB exchanges are carried out using the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy source.

[0019] A computer program for such a vehicle system is also provided. The computer program includes instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement such a method.

[0020] A computer-readable storage medium on which such a computer program is recorded is also provided.

[0021] A system for a vehicle is also provided. The system comprises such a storage medium. The system is configured to perform such a method. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Non-limiting examples will be described with reference to the following figures:

[0023] Illustrates examples of concomitance between UWB exchanges and non-UWB exchanges.

[0024] The, and illustrate examples of use of the system according to the process.

[0025] Illustrates a detailed view of a respective period.

[0026] Illustrates a respective period including several UWB exchanges.

[0027] Illustrates an example of an identifier architecture.

[0028] Illustrates an example of BLE exchanges. Detailed description

[0029] A method of operating a vehicle system having stored one or more identifiers is provided. Each identifier comprises an electrical energy source. The system and the one or more identifiers are configured to communicate using a UWB communication protocol and a non-UWB communication protocol. The method periodically comprises, between the system and the one or more identifiers, UWB exchanges using the UWB communication protocol and non-UWB exchanges using the non-UWB communication protocol. Each respective period comprises, between the system and the one or more identifiers, one or more non-UWB exchanges and one or more UWB exchanges. The first UWB exchange of the respective period begins at or after the end of the first non-UWB exchange of the respective period. No UWB exchange of the respective period is concurrent with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period.

[0030] The method provides improved utilization of the vehicle system.

[0031] Indeed, the method makes it possible to avoid concomitance between UWB exchanges and non-UWB exchanges. In particular, the method allows the use of periodic UWB exchanges and non-UWB exchanges, without them taking place at the same time. In particular, the first UWB exchange of the respective period begins at or after the end of the first non-UWB exchange of the respective period and, for each respective period, no UWB exchange of the respective period has concomitance with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period. This makes it possible to avoid concomitance between UWB and non-UWB exchanges during communication between the system and the one or more identifiers.

[0032] Avoiding concurrent exchanges reduces the risk of current peaks in one or more identifiers, which helps to better preserve the lifespan of the electrical energy source of each identifier. Indeed, current peaks induce an accelerated reduction in the lifespan of electrical energy sources. The method therefore helps to better preserve the lifespan of the electrical energy source of each identifier.

[0033] Additionally, the method contributes to improving the overall security of the vehicle. Indeed, UWB communications can be more robust to attacks than other communication protocols (such as RF communication protocols). The better use of UWB communications provided by the method therefore allows vehicle functions to be executed more securely (such as opening doors or starting the vehicle).

[0034] The process thus allows for overall consumption in each identifier. The process allows for better time synchronization of UWB exchanges between the identifiers and the vehicle. The process also allows for greater flexibility in configuring UWB telemetry periods. The improved synchronization and flexibility offered by the process allows for better management of multiple identifiers by the vehicle.

[0035] Before the UWB exchanges, the method may comprise a preliminary phase during which the method periodically comprises only non-UWB exchanges (i.e., without UWB exchanges). During this preliminary phase, the one or more identifiers may be far from the vehicle. Indeed, UWB is a short-range wireless communication protocol, and the system and the one or more identifiers may be too far apart to perform UWB exchanges. During this preliminary phase, the method may comprise a non-UWB exchange between the system and the one or more identifiers. After this preliminary phase, the method may execute the phase with the UWB exchanges (i.e., in addition to the non-UWB exchanges).

[0036] The phase with the UWB exchanges can start when the one or more identifiers arrive within a certain perimeter around the vehicle. For this, each non-UWB exchange can include a distance measurement between the system and the one or more identifiers. For example, the measurement can fail when the one or more identifiers are too far from the vehicle, or succeed when they are within a perimeter around the vehicle allowing the measurement. After each non-UWB exchange, the method can analyze the measured distance, and start the phase with the UWB exchanges only when the one or more identifiers are sufficiently close to the vehicle, for example when the measured distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0037] The phase with the UWB exchanges may end after a certain time. For example, the method may comprise an interruption of the phase with the UWB exchanges after a certain number of periods. Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise an interruption of the phase with the UWB exchanges when the one or more identifiers are again far from the vehicle. In this case, the method may use the non-UWB exchanges that are also carried out during this phase to measure the distance with the identifiers, and stop the UWB exchanges when the measured distance is greater than a certain predetermined distance (as previously described for the preliminary phase), or when there is a loss of BLE exchange. The function of the BLE exchanges is to control the UWB exchanges, i.e. to trigger them, and possibly stop them in the event of a loss of BLE exchanges.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the method may include phase interruption with the UWB exchanges according to the exchange controls performed by the BLE exchanges.

[0039] After interrupting the UWB exchanges, the method can execute only the non-UWB exchanges again, i.e., restart the preliminary phase.

[0040] During the phase with the UWB exchanges, each UWB exchange may include a distance measurement between the system and the one or more identifiers. This distance measurement may be more accurate and more reliable than those performed during non-UWB exchanges. The distances measured during the UWB exchanges may be used for the execution of one or more functionalities of the vehicle. For example, the method may include a location of the one or more identifiers with the measured distances. The method may use the location of the one or more identifiers to control the opening of the doors of the vehicle (for example when at least one of the identifiers is close to a door).Alternatively or additionally, the method may use the location of the one or more identifiers to adjust a set of driving parameters of the car based on the identifier located on the driver's seat (e.g. seat position, mirror position and / or driving style).

[0041] Each respective period comprises one or more non-UWB exchanges and one or more UWB exchanges. No UWB exchange of the respective period has a concomitance with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period. For each period, all exchanges (UWB and non-UWB) of the period may be carried out successively one after the other. For example, each exchange may be carried out during a respective time interval which comprises a start time and an end time, and, in the order of execution of the exchanges, the start time of each exchange may be scheduled only at or from a time delay of this time or after the end time of the previous exchange, and the end time of each exchange may be scheduled before or at the latest at the start time of the next exchange. The intersection of the respective time intervals of all exchanges of the period (UWB and non-UWB) may be zero.

[0042] The exchanges (UWB and non-UWB) may be periodic in that each period comprises the same succession of the same type of exchange (UWB or non-UWB). In particular, the order in which the types of exchanges alternate may be the same for each period. For example, each period may comprise only one non-UWB exchange followed by one UWB exchange. Alternatively, each period may comprise only a first non-UWB exchange, followed by one UWB exchange, then a second non-UWB exchange. Alternatively again, each period may comprise only a first non-UWB exchange, followed by at least two UWB exchanges, then a second non-UWB exchange.

[0043] The method may include determining a schedule of the UWB and non-UWB exchanges of each respective period. The UWB and non-UWB exchanges may be scheduled such that, for each respective period, no UWB exchange of the respective period has a concomitance with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period. The method may then include performing the periodic UWB and non-UWB exchanges according to the determined schedule.

[0044] In examples, during the phase with the UWB exchanges, each respective period may begin with a non-UWB exchange. For each respective period, the first non-UWB exchange may include sending a configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period. The first non-UWB exchange of each respective period may include sending a configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges upon receipt of that configuration. The configuration may be sent from the system to the one or more identifiers. The configuration may be a minimum configuration for performing the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period. The configuration may be sent as instructions to the one or more identifiers. The configuration may include a number and / or frequency of UWB exchange(s) to be performed during the remainder of the period. The configuration may include the start and end times of each UWB exchange.The configuration may comprise the content of each UWB exchange, i.e. for example a transmission of one or more UWB signals by the system and / or the one or more identifiers and / or a reception by the system and / or the one or more identifiers of each transmitted UWB signal.

[0045] In examples, the content of the first non-UWB exchange of a first period may differ from the content of the first non-UWB exchanges of the periods subsequently executed by the method. For example, for the first period, the first non-UWB exchange may comprise only the sending of the configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges. After this first period, the first non-UWB exchange of each respective period may comprise (in addition to the sending of the configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges) a sending of a signal triggering the one or more UWB exchanges. The triggering signal may be sent by the system to the one or more identifiers. The triggering signal may comprise an order to begin the execution of the one or more UWB exchanges (in the programmed order). The one or more UWB exchanges of the period may begin after this triggering signal.

[0046] In examples, at least one period may include multiple UWB exchanges. For example, each period may include three UWB exchanges. The UWB exchanges may be spaced apart from each other. For example, each period may include UWB exchanges every X milliseconds, where X is a number of milliseconds less than 50 and / or greater than 10. Each of the UWB exchanges may include a distance measurement between the system and the one or more identifiers. The multiple UWB exchanges in each period therefore allow for multiple distance measurements between the system and the one or more identifiers per period. The multiple UWB exchanges per period therefore increase the frequency of the distance measurements, which improves the accuracy of the measurement.The method may include multiple UWB exchanges per period when the one or more identifiers are in motion (e.g., motion may be detected using a measurement by each identifier's motion sensor). This allows for an accurate distance measurement to be obtained during that motion.

[0047] In examples, the UWB exchanges may be used to send scheduling data (scheduling patterns) to one or more identifiers. The one or more identifiers may be configured to track the different scheduling patterns sent during the UWB exchanges with the system. Each UWB exchange may include transmissions / receptions of pulsed signals over fairly wide bands.

[0048] The non-UWB communication protocol may be any RF (acronym for "Radio Frequency") communication protocol. In examples, the non-UWB communication protocol may be a Bluetooth communication protocol, for example a BLE (acronym for "Bluetooth Low Energy") communication protocol.

[0049] Each credential may be compact. Each credential may be a key fob or a smartphone. The one or more credential(s) may include one or more key fobs and / or one or more smartphones. The one or more credential(s) may be carried by one or more users of the vehicle (e.g., the driver and / or one or more passengers). Each credential may be configured to remotely control the execution of one or more vehicle functions (e.g., opening doors and / or the trunk, starting the vehicle, and / or locking the vehicle). For this purpose, each credential may include buttons controlling these different functions. Each credential may be configured to detect the movement of the credential (and / or the absence of movement). For this purpose, each credential may include a motion sensor.

[0050] In examples, each identifier may include a UWB component, a BLE component, and internal communication between the UWB component and the BLE component. The UWB component (e.g., a UWB chip) may be configured to schedule UWB exchanges. The UWB component may be connected to an antenna for sending UWB signals of the UWB exchanges. The BLE component (e.g., a BLE chip) may be configured to schedule BLE exchanges. The UWB component may be connected to an antenna for sending BLE signals of the BLE exchanges. The BLE component may be the so-called “master” component, and the UWB component may be controlled by the so-called “master” component.

[0051] The internal communication may include an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) link and a wake-up pin. The internal communication between the BLE and UWB components allows the UWB component to avoid integrating a component for measuring time (for example, a resonator). The method may include, after the first non-UWB exchange, sending a wake-up signal from the BLE component to the UWB component using the internal communication. After receiving the wake-up signal, the UWB component can start by drawing power from the device's power source. The method prevents the UWB and BLE components from turning on at the same time because this consumes a lot of power from the power source. To this end, the method reduces the risk of BLE and UWB exchanges overlapping.

[0052] The electrical energy source may be a battery. For example, the electrical energy source may be a button cell battery. The electrical energy source may not be rechargeable (non-rechargeable battery). In examples, the battery may have a diameter of less than 25 millimeters, for example, about 20 millimeters. Alternatively or additionally, the battery may have a height of less than 6 millimeters, for example, about 3.2 millimeters. For example, the battery may be a CR2032 button cell battery.

[0053] Examples will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 8.

[0054] The, and illustrate examples of use of the system according to the method. In these examples, the other non-UWB communication protocol is a BLE communication protocol (acronym for "Bluetooth Low Energy").

[0055] Illustrates a first example 300 of use of the system according to the method. Shows an evolution over time of the BLE exchanges 301, the UWB exchanges 302 and the current 303 in each identifier.

[0056] In this first example, each period comprises a single BLE exchange between the one or more identifiers and the system (the UWB exchange 310 for the first period then 320 for the following periods) followed by a single UWB exchange 312 between the one or more identifiers and the system. The UWB exchange 312 of each respective period begins at the end of the BLE exchange of the respective period (the UWB exchange 310 for the first period then 320 for the following periods). For each respective period, the UWB exchange 312 of the respective period does not have any concomitance with the BLE exchange 310, 320 of the respective period.

[0057] For each period, the UWB exchange 312 and then the BLE exchange 310, 320 induce an increase in the current 313 in the identifier. The UWB exchange 312 is not concomitant with the BLE exchange 310, 320. The current increases for each exchange are therefore not additive, and the communication therefore does not produce a current peak in the one or more identifiers. Then, the current returns to a low level 323, which corresponds to the consumption floor of the BLE and UWB timers together. Thus, the method makes it possible to reduce the risk of a current peak in each identifier, which improves the lifetime of the electrical energy source of each identifier.

[0058] For the first period, the BLE exchange 310 comprises only the sending 311 of a configuration of the UWB exchange 312 of the first period. Then, for each respective period following the first, the BLE exchange 310 comprises the sending 321 of the configuration of the UWB exchange 312 of the respective period and the signal triggering the UWB exchange 312 of the respective period

[0059] This sending 311 of a configuration of the UWB exchange 312 of the first period includes an indication of the delay of the UWB exchange 312 of the first period relative to the start or end of the BLE exchange 310.

[0060] Illustrates a second example 400 of use of the system according to the method. Shows an evolution over time of the BLE exchanges 401, the UWB exchanges 402 and the current 403 in each identifier.

[0061] In this second example, each period also comprises a single BLE exchange between the one or more identifiers and the system (the UWB exchange 410 for the first period then 420 for the following periods) followed by a single UWB exchange 412 between the one or more identifiers and the system. The UWB exchange 412 of each respective period begins at the end of the BLE exchange of the respective period (the UWB exchange 410 for the first period then 420 for the following periods). For each respective period, the UWB exchange 412 of the respective period does not have any concomitance with the BLE exchange 410, 420 of the respective period. The frequency of the UWB and BLE exchanges is lower in this second example than in the first example.

[0062] The UWB 412 exchange of each respective period may start after a delay from the start or end of the BLE exchange of the respective period (the UWB 410 exchange for the first period then 420 for the following periods).

[0063] As in the first example, the UWB exchange 412 and then the BLE exchange 410, 420 of each period induce current increases which therefore do not add up. The communication therefore does not produce a current peak in the one or more identifiers, which improves the lifetime of the electrical energy source of each identifier.

[0064] Illustrates a third example 500 of use of the system according to the method. Shows an evolution over time of the BLE exchanges 501, the UWB exchanges 502 and the current 503 in each identifier.

[0065] In this third example, each period comprises a first BLE exchange between the one or more identifiers and the system (the UWB exchange 510 for the first period then 530 for the following periods), followed by a single UWB exchange 512 between the one or more identifiers and the system, then a second BLE exchange (the exchange 520 for each period). The UWB exchange 512 of each respective period begins at the end of the first BLE exchange of the respective period (the UWB exchange 510 for the first period then 530 for the following periods). The second BLE exchange 320 of each respective period begins after the end of the UWB exchange 512 of the respective period. For each respective period, the UWB exchange 512 of the respective period does not have any concomitance with the two BLE exchanges of the respective period (which are exchanges 510 and 520 for the first period, then exchanges 530 and 520 for the following periods).

[0066] For the first period, the BLE exchange 510 only comprises the sending 511 of a configuration of the UWB exchange 512 of the first period. Then, for each respective period following the first, the BLE exchange 530 comprises the sending 521 of the configuration of the UWB exchange 512 of the respective period and the signal triggering the UWB exchange 512 of the respective period. The second BLE exchange of each respective period does not include the sending of a configuration or a trigger signal.

[0067] Sending 511 a configuration of the UWB exchange 512 of the first period may include a delay from the start or end of the BLE exchange of the respective period.

[0068] As in the first and second examples, the UWB 512 and BLE 510, 520 and 530 exchanges of each period induce current increases which therefore do not add up. The communication therefore does not produce a current peak in the one or more identifiers, which improves the lifetime of the electrical energy source of each identifier.

[0069] In this third example, the frequency of BLE exchanges is greater than in the first and second examples. The second BLE exchange may be used (e.g., in combination with the first BLE exchange) to perform one or more vehicle functions. For example, this third example may be used for any function that uses a greater frequency of BLE exchanges than in the first and second examples.

[0070] Laillustrates a detailed view of a respective period in the first example of laor the second example of la. Lashows an evolution over time of the BLE exchanges 601, the UWB exchanges 602 and the current 603 in each identifier.

[0071] The BLE exchange 610 induces a current increase 613 in each identifier. At the end of the BLE exchange 610, the BLE timer therefore starts, and the current reaches the consumption floor of the BLE timer. Once the UWB configuration has been exchanged, the UWB timer starts 612, which causes a new current increase. This new increase is added to the first, which induces, during the intersection time of the two timers, a new consumption floor 633. This new consumption floor 633 remains, however, lower than the current peak that would be obtained if the two exchanges (BLE and UWB) occurred together. Indeed, the timer of each type of exchange uses very little resource (compared to the exchange in question).

[0072] At the end of the BLE timer 620, the current this time reaches a floor 643 corresponding to the consumption floor of the UWB timer alone. It then increases again during the UWB exchange 622, then returns to its initial level 663 at the end of the UWB exchange. It therefore shows that the method makes it possible to avoid current peaks in each identifier in the interval between the BLE and UWB exchanges. It can be configured so that the UWB exchange 622 takes place after a switch-off of the UWB component or a standby state of the component. For the case where the UWB is in standby mode, the inventive effect makes it possible to reduce the activation times of the UWB at the cost of a residual power supply which would be non-existent in the case where the UWB was switched off.

[0073] The connection interval between two BLE 610 exchanges is very precise. For example, the connection interval can be between 7.5 milliseconds and 4 seconds, for example in steps of 1.25 microseconds.

[0074] Laillustrates a respective period comprising several UWB exchanges. Lashows a time evolution of the BLE exchanges 701 and the UWB exchanges 702 during a period (which is repeated). In this example, each period comprises a single BLE exchange 710 which is followed by three successive UWB exchanges. The frequency of the UWB exchanges is therefore higher than that of the BLE exchanges. This allows the use of functionality requiring such a frequency of UWB exchanges. For example, each UWB exchange may comprise a distance measurement between the one or more identifiers and the system, and the method may in this case provide a precise location of the identifiers (i.e. with a high measurement frequency if the measurements are considered individually, or with high robustness, for example if average values ​​are calculated over several successive measurements).In the figure, three UWB exchanges are illustrated, but each period may include further successive UWB exchanges 730 after these first three UWB exchanges 720. The BLE connection events occur regularly (connection interval). The BLE connection events control the UWB activities. The UWB activity occurs synchronously after each BLE connection event or after a particular BLE connection event, depending on the chosen application. The method may include on-demand triggering of several successive UWB activities via a configuration of BLE data frames.

[0075] Illustrates an example of architecture 800 of an identifier. The architecture 800 comprises a UWB component 810, a BLE component 820 and an internal communication 830 between the UWB component 810 and the BLE component 820. The architecture 800 comprises a UWB antenna 811 connected to the UWB component 810. The architecture 800 comprises a BLE antenna 821 connected to the BLE component 820. The internal communication 830 makes it possible to avoid the UWB component having to integrate a component for measuring time (for example a resonator). The architecture 800 includes a motion sensor 840 connected to the UWB component 810 and the BLE component 820. The architecture 800 includes a battery 850 powering the UWB component 810 and the BLE component 820. The method may include, after the first non-UWB exchange, sending a wake-up signal by the BLE component 820 to the UWB component 810 using the internal communication 830.After receiving the wake-up signal, the UWB component 810 can start by drawing power from the device's power source. The method prevents the UWB and BLE components from turning on at the same time because this consumes a lot of power from the device's power source. To this end, the method reduces the risk of BLE and UWB exchanges overlapping. The architecture 800 includes an NFC component 860 (an acronym for "Near Field Communication").

[0076] Illustrates an example of BLE exchanges 901, 902. The BLE exchange 901 comprises a succession of transmissions and receptions 911 of BLE frames between the vehicle and the one or more identifiers. In this example, the BLE exchange 901 comprises two round trips of transmissions and receptions 911 of BLE frames. The BLE exchange 902 comprises only one round trip of transmissions and receptions 912 of BLE frames between the vehicle and the one or more identifiers. The vehicle is the center / master. The identifier is the peripheral / slave.

Claims

A method of operating a vehicle system having stored one or more identifiers (800), each identifier (800) comprising an electrical energy source (850), the system and the one or more identifiers (800) being configured to communicate using a UWB communication protocol and a non-UWB communication protocol, the method comprising periodically, between the system and the one or more identifiers, UWB exchanges (312, 412, 512) using the UWB communication protocol and non-UWB exchanges (310, 320, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530) using the non-UWB communication protocol, each respective period comprising, between the system and the one or more identifiers: one or more non-UWB exchanges (310, 320, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530);andone or more UWB exchanges (312, 412, 512), the first UWB exchange of the respective period starting at or after the end of the first non-UWB exchange (310, 410, 510) of the respective period, no UWB exchange of the respective period being concurrent with any non-UWB exchange of the respective period.; The method of claim 1, wherein the first non-UWB exchange (310, 320, 410, 420, 510, 530) of each respective period comprises sending a configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period. The method of claim 2, wherein, after a first period, the first non-UWB exchange (320, 420, 530) of each respective period further comprises sending a signal triggering the one or more UWB exchanges (312, 412, 512). The method of claim 2, wherein the configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period indicates a delay in initiating the one or more UWB exchanges (312, 412, 512) from the start or end of the one or more non-UWB exchanges (310, 320, 410, 420, 510, 520, 530). The method of claim 2, wherein each identifier comprises a UWB component (810), the configuration of the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period indicating that the one or more UWB exchanges of the respective period take place after a power-off or sleep state of the UWB component. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which each UWB exchange comprises a distance measurement between the system and the one or more identifiers, at least one period comprising several UWB exchanges (720). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-UWB communication protocol is a BLE communication protocol. The method of claim 7, wherein each identifier comprises a UWB component (810), a BLE component (820) and an internal communication (830) between the UWB component (810) and the BLE component (820), the method comprising, after the first non-UWB exchange (310, 320, 410, 420, 510, 530), sending a wake-up signal by the BLE component (820) to the UWB component (810) using the internal communication (830). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electrical energy source (850) is a battery, preferably a button cell, and / or having a diameter of less than 25 millimeters and / or a height of less than 6 millimeters. A computer program for a vehicle system comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor, cause the latter to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 10 is recorded. A vehicle system comprising the storage medium of claim 11, the system being configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images