Control of a predetermined function of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for controlling a predetermined function of a motor vehicle (105) by means of a mobile device (110), the method comprising steps of establishing a communications connection between the motor vehicle (105) and the mobile device (110) by means of first radio technology; transmitting a capability of the mobile device (110) to use second predetermined radio technology; and transmitting a user-controlled approval for use of the second radio technology. If the mobile device (110) is capable of using the second radio technology and use has been approved, a distance between the mobile device (110) and the motor vehicle (105) is determined by means of the second radio technology. The predetermined function of the motor vehicle (105) is controlled with respect to a communication via the communications connection and, if available, the determined distance.

Description

[0001] Control of a predetermined function of a motor vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to the control of a predetermined function of a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to the control of the function using radio technology.

[0003] A motor vehicle can be wirelessly controlled using a mobile device to enable access to the motor vehicle or driving the motor vehicle. A wireless communication connection between the mobile device and the motor vehicle can be established using a first radio technology. Information and a request from the mobile device, for example, to unlock a vehicle door, can be transmitted via the communication connection.

[0004] The motor vehicle can be configured to determine a distance to the mobile device using a second radio technology. The function can then be controlled depending on the determined distance. For example, a vehicle door can be unlocked automatically when the distance between the mobile device and the motor vehicle falls below a predetermined threshold. Not every mobile device can be configured to use the second radio technology. The mobile device can use the communication connection to indicate to the motor vehicle the basic possibility of using the second radio technology. If the mobile device is not suitable for using the second radio technology, the distance determination on the part of the motor vehicle can be omitted, and the function can be controlled in another way.

[0005] Some mobile devices allow a user to permit or prohibit the actual use of the second radio technology. If the user prohibits use, the mobile device can still communicate its general suitability for use to the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can then unsuccessfully attempt to determine the distance using the second radio technology. This can delay the control of the predetermined function.

[0006] An object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technology for wirelessly controlling a predetermined function of a motor vehicle. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims specify preferred embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a predetermined function of a motor vehicle using a mobile device comprises the steps of establishing a communication connection between the motor vehicle and the mobile device using a first radio technology; transmitting a capability of the mobile device to use a second radio technology; and transmitting a user-controlled authorization to use the second radio technology. If the mobile device is capable of using the radio technology and authorization for use has been granted, a distance between the mobile device and the motor vehicle is determined using the second radio technology. The predetermined function of the motor vehicle is then controlled with respect to communication via the communication connection and, if available, the determined distance.

[0008] By providing a differentiated statement about the mobile device's general suitability for using the second radio technology separately from the permission to use the second radio technology, the motor vehicle can more effectively detect whether the second radio technology can be used for distance determination. Use may not be possible if the mobile device is not generally configured for this purpose or if a user of the mobile device refuses consent to use it. In this case, the motor vehicle's function can be controlled based on data exchanged over the communication connection, regardless of distance.

[0009] If, for example, a distance determination is possible using the second radio technology, the opening of the motor vehicle can be controlled when the mobile device is within a predetermined maximum distance from the motor vehicle. If the second radio technology cannot be used to determine the distance, the motor vehicle can attempt to estimate the distance to the mobile device based on a connection parameter of the first radio technology. For example, a signal strength (RSSI) or a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be evaluated as an indication of a distance. The function can then be controlled when the estimated distance has fallen below a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, the function can be controlled when a user of the mobile device explicitly requests it.

[0010] If it is determined that the user-controlled authorization has changed, the modified authorization can be transmitted to the vehicle. The evaluation of the user-controlled authorization can thus be performed not only once when the communication connection is established, but also on an event-based basis whenever the user grants or withdraws consent to use the second radio technology. The vehicle's functions can thus be controlled with improved precision regarding the distance determination between the mobile device and the vehicle.

[0011] It is preferable that no attempt be made to determine the distance using the second radio technology if permission to use it is not available. An attempt may also be omitted if the mobile device is not capable of using the second radio technology.

[0012] The distance between the mobile device and the motor vehicle can be determined based on the time required for signals from the second radio technology to propagate between the mobile device and the motor vehicle. The distance can be the product of this time and the speed of light. Multiple interfaces can be mounted at different positions on the motor vehicle. Pulses can be transmitted between the mobile device and the various interfaces at predetermined intervals. Different transmission times can indicate different distances, allowing not only the distance but also the position of the mobile device relative to the motor vehicle to be determined.

[0013] It is further preferred that the capability and authorization of the second radio technology be transmitted to the motor vehicle in the form of a configuration. The configuration may include additional parameters. A parameter may be binary or multi-valued.

[0014] In a first variant, the user-controlled release can be transmitted while the communication connection is being established. At this point, generally only the information required to establish the communication can be transmitted. User data can preferably only be transmitted once the communication connection is fully established.

[0015] In a second variant, the user-controlled release is only transmitted once the communication connection is established. It should be noted that the two variants can also be combined, for example, if the user-controlled release changes while the communication connection is established.

[0016] It is preferred that the first radio technology comprises Bluetooth. It is particularly preferred that the first radio technology comprises Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This technology can be manufactured and operated with low energy consumption. A transmittable data bandwidth can be sufficiently high. A maximum transmission distance can be in the range of several tens of meters. Bluetooth is widely used, so a motor vehicle can communicate with a multitude of mobile devices that support Bluetooth.

[0017] It is further preferred that the second radio technology comprises ultra-wideband (UWB). This allows radio signals to be transmitted with low energy and high bandwidth. The distance between the motor vehicle and the mobile device can thus be determined with high precision.

[0018] It is further preferred that the function comprises a safety function of the motor vehicle. The safety function comprises a distinguished function of the motor vehicle and is usually required in order to be able to enter or drive the motor vehicle. A first possible safety function relates to a locking mechanism and can control the locking or unlocking of a vehicle door or vehicle hatch. A second possible safety function relates to an immobilizer, which must be released in order to drive the motor vehicle under its own power. A third possible safety function relates to a tow-away protection system, which must be released in order to move the motor vehicle on its own axle. The tow-away protection system can comprise, for example, a parking brake or a steering wheel lock. It is further preferred that two-way authentication based on asymmetric cryptographic keys takes place via the communication connection.A two-way challenge-response authentication process can be used. It is preferred that the two-way authentication be performed according to a procedure defined by the Car Connectivity Consortium under the name Digital Car Key. A description is freely available under the name Digital Key Release 3, Technical Specification, Version 1.1.0, dated July 20, 2022.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for controlling a predetermined function on board a motor vehicle comprises a first interface for establishing a communication connection to a mobile device using a first radio technology; a second interface for exchanging signals with the mobile device using a second radio technology; and a processing device. The processing device is configured to receive, via the communication connection, a capability of the mobile device to use the second radio technology as well as a user-controlled authorization for the use of the second radio technology. If the mobile device is capable of using the radio technology and authorization for use has been granted, the processing device can determine a distance between the mobile device and the motor vehicle using the second radio technology.The processing device can control the predetermined function of the motor vehicle with respect to communication via the communication link and, if available, the determined distance.

[0020] The processing device is preferably configured to partially or completely carry out a method described herein. For this purpose, the processing device can be embodied electronically and can comprise, for example, an integrated circuit, a programmable logic module, or a programmable microcomputer. The method can be implemented in the form of a configuration or as a computer program product with program code means for the processing device. The configuration or the computer program product can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle comprises a device described herein. The motor vehicle can in particular comprise a motorcycle, a passenger car, a truck, or a bus.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a mobile device for controlling a motor vehicle comprises a first interface for establishing a communication connection to the motor vehicle using a first radio technology; a second interface for exchanging signals with the motor vehicle using a second radio technology; an input device for detecting authorization to use the second radio technology; and a processing device. The processing device is configured to provide the authorization via the communication connection and to support distance determination via the second interface only if authorization is present.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system comprises a motor vehicle as described herein and a mobile device as described herein.

[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 a system; and

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a process.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a system 100 with a motor vehicle 105 and a mobile device 110. The motor vehicle 105 is depicted purely as an example as a passenger car. The mobile device 110 can be assigned to a user and, in particular, can comprise a smartphone. Alternatively, the mobile device 110 can also comprise, for example, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer. These devices are universally configured to execute a wide variety of different applications. An application can relate to the control of a safety function of the motor vehicle 105. In a further embodiment, the mobile device 110 can also comprise a handset that is dedicated to controlling the function of the motor vehicle 105. The handset cannot support the installation of applications or the execution of other functions.

[0027] A device 115 on board the motor vehicle 105 comprises a first interface 120, at least one second interface 125, and a processing device 130. Preferably, an interface 135 is also provided, via which a function of the motor vehicle 105 can be controlled. The interface 135 can be wired and, for example, connected to a data or control bus on board the motor vehicle 105. The function can, in particular, include a safety function.

[0028] Interfaces 120 and 125 are wireless and operate with different radio technologies. The first interface 120 operates with a first radio technology, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy. A second interface 125 operates with a second radio technology, preferably ultra-wideband.

[0029] Mobile devices 110 with different features can be used in combination with the device 115 on board the motor vehicle 105. In connection with the Digital Car Key mentioned herein, three device classes are defined which characterize the wireless interface configuration of the mobile device 110. A class WCC1 has only an NFC (near field communication) interface, a class WCC2 additionally has a Bluetooth interface, and a class WCC3 furthermore has a UWB interface. Since mobile devices 110 of classes WCC1 or WCC2 do not have a UWB interface, they typically do not support user-controlled deactivation. Therefore, the present invention assumes a class 3 mobile device 110. The NFC interface will not be discussed in detail here.

[0030] A first interface 120 and a second interface 125 can also be provided on the mobile device 110. Furthermore, the mobile device 110 preferably comprises a processing device 140 and an input device 145. A data memory 150 is optionally provided. The input device 145 can additionally comprise an output device. A user can interact with the mobile device 110 or an application running on the processing device 140 using the input device 145. A combined input / output device can be implemented as a touch-sensitive screen. A configuration can be stored in the data memory 150, at least a portion of which can be controlled by a user of the mobile device 110. The configuration can, in particular, include user authorization to use the second radio technology via the second interface 125. The user can grant or revoke this authorization at any time.

[0031] If a user approaches the motor vehicle 105 with the mobile device 110, a communication connection can first be established via the first interface 120. During or after production, a configuration of the mobile device 110 can be transmitted to the motor vehicle 105. The configuration can include a general suitability of the mobile device 110 and, independently thereof, a user-controlled release of the second radio technology.

[0032] Subsequently, two-way authentication can take place between the mobile device 110 and the motor vehicle 105. Each of the communication partners 105, 110 has a pair of private and public keys. A message encrypted with the public key can then be re-encrypted with the private key, allowing the original text to be recovered. This process can also be performed in reverse. It is assumed that the public key of the mobile device 110 is already known by the motor vehicle 105, and that the public key of the motor vehicle 105 is already known by the mobile device 110. The private keys are known only to the respective communication partner 105, 110.An exemplary challenge-response authentication can be performed by mobile device 110 determining a random number, encrypting it with its own public key and with the public key of motor vehicle 105, and transmitting it to motor vehicle 105. Motor vehicle 105 can decrypt the received message using its own private key and transmit it back to mobile device 110. The mobile device 110 can decrypt the received message using its own private key and compare it with the original random number. If the numbers match, motor vehicle 105 is authenticated to mobile device 110. Two-way authentication can comprise a nested sequence of corresponding message transmissions.

[0033] To determine the distance between the mobile device 110 and the motor vehicle 105, in a simplified representation, the motor vehicle 105 can transmit a series of signals from different second interfaces 125 to the mobile device 110. The signals are transmitted at a predetermined time interval. The arrival times of the signals can be determined by the mobile device 110. The second interfaces 125 of the motor vehicle 105 are mounted at different positions, so that transmission times to the second interface 125 of the mobile device 110 can differ slightly from one another. These deviations can be determined with respect to the known time grid between the transmission times. In this way, multiple distances to the various second interfaces 125 of the motor vehicle 105 can be determined.Based on these distances, a distance and / or a position of the mobile device 110 relative to the motor vehicle 105 can be determined.

[0034] It is proposed that a configuration of the mobile device 110 regarding the capability and authorization to use the second interface 125 be transmitted to the motor vehicle 105 via a communication connection between the first interfaces 120. If the mobile device 110 does not have the capability and / or authorization to use the second interface 125, the motor vehicle 105 can omit an attempt to determine the distance via the second radio technology. The predetermined function of the motor vehicle 105 can then be controlled regardless of the distance with respect to data exchanged via the communication connection of the first interfaces 120.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 for controlling a predetermined function of a motor vehicle 105. In a step 205, a communication connection can be established between the mobile device 110 and the motor vehicle 105 using the first radio technology via the first interfaces 120. In a step 210, data can be exchanged between the mobile device 110 and the motor vehicle 105 via the communication connection. In a step 215, which can be integrated with one of the steps 205, 210, a configuration of the mobile device 110 can be transmitted to the motor vehicle 105 via the communication connection. The configuration can include a plurality of parameters, some of which can be mandatory and others of which can be optional. Some parameters can be controllable by a user, others can be predetermined by the mobile device 110.The parameters preferably include a first parameter, which is specified by the mobile device 110 and is not user-controlled and indicates the provision of the mobile device 110 with a second interface 125. Another parameter included in the configuration relates to a user-controlled release of the second interface 125. User-controlled consent can only be present if the mobile device 110 has a second interface 125.

[0036] If the motor vehicle 105 determines that the mobile device 110 is suitable for communicating using the second radio technology via a second interface 125 and that a user has given permission for this, a request for distance determination can be transmitted in a step 220. Parameters for the distance determination, for example, a time interval between successive signals, can be specified. In a step 225, the series of signals can be transmitted between the motor vehicle 105 and the mobile device 110. The distance and, optionally, the position of the mobile device 110 relative to the motor vehicle 105 can then be determined from relative reception times.

[0037] Optionally, in a step 230, further data can be transmitted via the communication connection of the first interfaces 120. In a step 235, the predetermined function of the motor vehicle 105 can be controlled. Control preferably occurs with reference to the data transmitted via the communication connection. Furthermore, the function can be controlled depending on the determined distance from the mobile device 110.

[0038] If the motor vehicle 105 has determined that the mobile device 110 is not suitable for distance determination using the second radio technology or if a user-controlled release is not available, steps 220 and 225 can be omitted and the function can be controlled directly in step 235 with respect to the data transmitted via the communication connection.

[0039] Reference symbol

[0040] 100 systems

[0041] 105 Motor vehicle

[0042] 110 Mobile device

[0043] 115 Device

[0044] 120 first interface with first radio technology

[0045] 125 second interface with second radio technology

[0046] 130 processing facility

[0047] 135 Interface

[0048] 140 processing facility

[0049] 145 Input device

[0050] 150 data storage

[0051] 200 procedures

[0052] 205 Structure

[0053] 210 data

[0054] 215 Configuration

[0055] 220 Distance determination requirement

[0056] 225 Distance determination

[0057] 230 data

[0058] 235 Control function

Claims

Claims 1. A method (200) for controlling a predetermined function of a motor vehicle (105) by means of a mobile device (110), the method (200) comprising the following steps: Establishing (205) a communication connection between the motor vehicle (105) and the mobile device (110) by means of a first radio technology; Transmitting (215) a capability of the mobile device (110) to use a second radio technology; Transmitting (215) a user-controlled authorization for the use of the second radio technology; if the mobile device (110) is capable of using the second radio technology and authorization for use has been granted, determining (225) a distance between the mobile device (110) and the motor vehicle (105) by means of the second radio technology; and Controlling (235) the predetermined function of the motor vehicle (105) with respect to communication via the communication link and, if available, the determined distance.

2. The method (200) of claim 1, wherein it is determined that the user-controlled authorization has changed; and the changed authorization is transmitted to the motor vehicle (105).

3. The method (200) of claim 1 or 2, wherein no attempt is made to determine the distance by means of the second radio technology if the use is not authorized.

4. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance is determined (225) on the basis of a time required for signals of the second radio technology to propagate between the mobile device (110) and the motor vehicle (105).

5. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user-controlled release is transmitted (215) during the establishment of the communication connection.

6. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user-controlled release is transmitted (215) when the communication connection is established.

7. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radio technology comprises Bluetooth.

8. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second radio technology comprises ultra-wideband.

9. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the function comprises a safety function of the motor vehicle (105).

10. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a two-sided authentication (210, 230) based on asymmetric cryptographic keys is carried out via the communication connection.

11. A device (115) for controlling a predetermined function on board a motor vehicle (105), the device comprising: a first interface (120) for establishing a communication connection to a mobile device (110) using a first radio technology; a second interface (125) for exchanging signals with the mobile device (110) using a second radio technology; and a processing device (130) configured to receive, via the communication connection, a capability of the mobile device (110) to use the second radio technology and a user-controlled authorization for the use of the second radio technology; if the mobile device (110) is capable of using the radio technology and authorization for use has been granted, to determine a distance between the mobile device (110) and the motor vehicle (105) using the second radio technology; and to control the predetermined function of the motor vehicle (105) with respect to communication via the communication link and, if available, the determined distance.

12. Motor vehicle (105) comprising a device (115) according to claim 11.

13. A mobile device (110) for controlling a motor vehicle (105), the mobile device (110) comprising: a first interface (120) for establishing a communication connection to the motor vehicle (105) by means of a first radio technology; a second interface (125) for exchanging signals with the motor vehicle (105) by means of a second radio technology; an input device (145) for detecting authorization to use the second radio technology; and a processing device (140) configured to provide the authorization via the communication connection; and to support distance determination via the second interface (125) only if authorization is present.

14. A system (100) comprising a motor vehicle (105) according to claim 12 and a mobile device (110) according to claim 13.

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