Method for exchanging data between vehicle keys and vehicle keys implementing such a method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for exchanging data between two car keys and a car key configured to implement such a method. Specifically, the method comprises the detection, by a first key (10), of the presence of a second key (11) at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance, the opening of a communication channel between the first and second keys, the selection of data from the first key to be exchanged, and the transmission of the data to the second key via the communication channel and / or the reception of the data by the second key via the communication channel. Figure 1 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method for exchanging data between vehicle keys and vehicle keys implementing such a method Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for exchanging data between vehicle keys and vehicle keys implementing such a method.

[0002] The present invention also relates to methods of transmitting data from a first vehicle key to a second vehicle key and methods of receiving data from a first vehicle key by a second vehicle key. Technological background

[0003] Vehicles, for example automobiles, have keys, often called "ignition keys", which provide security functions but also ensure the comfort of a user of the vehicle.

[0004] The keys allow, for example, the vehicle to be started thanks to a specific mechanical imprint and / or an equally specific electronic imprint. Many keys also allow, for example, the locking / unlocking of all the vehicle doors and / or a hatch, for example.

[0005] Finally, certain keys make it possible to record and restore user parameters and data linked to driving assistance systems, known as AD AS systems (from the English “Advanced Driver-Assistance System” or in French “Advanced Driving Assistance System”), in order to improve the comfort of the user when using the vehicle and / or to assist him during a driving phase. Summary of the present invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to enable the exchange of data between several vehicle keys.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the exchange of data between two users having vehicle keys.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting stored data from a first vehicle key to a second vehicle key, the method comprising the following steps: - detection, by the first key, of the presence of the second key at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance; - opening a communication channel between the first and second keys; - selection of data of the first key to be exchanged; - transmission of data to the second key via the communication channel communication.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for receiving by a second vehicle key data stored by a first vehicle key, the method comprising the following steps: - detection, by said second key, of the presence of the first key at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance; - opening a communication channel between the first and second keys; - selection of data of the first key to be exchanged; - reception of data by the second key via the communication channel.

[0010] According to a variant of the methods, the data belong to a set of data comprising: - contact details, - business cards, - driving preferences, - user settings, - traffic conditions, - map data, - availability of parking spaces, and - recommended routes.

[0011] According to a variant of the methods, the communication channel is established via a wireless connection.

[0012] According to a variant of the methods, the wireless connection belongs to a set of wireless connections comprising: - a radio frequency connection, - a Bluetooth® connection, - a Wi-Fi® connection, and - a near field connection.

[0013] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for the execution of the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention or according to the second aspect of the present invention, this in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0014] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded. computer system comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention or according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0016] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0017] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0018] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle key comprising: - a communication unit configured to transmit and / or receive data; - a memory; - a processor; - a means for detecting another key at a distance less than a threshold distance from said key; - a means of displaying stored data; and - a means of selecting stored data.

[0020] According to a variant, the vehicle key is configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention or according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a system for exchanging data between a first vehicle key configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and a second vehicle key configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0023] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an environment of a vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a device integrated into a vehicle key configured to exchange data with another vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.3] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for transmitting stored data from a first vehicle key to a second vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention; and

[0026] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for receiving by a second vehicle key data stored by a first vehicle key according to a first particular and non-limiting example embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0027] Methods for transmitting stored data from a first vehicle key to a second vehicle key, for receiving by a second vehicle key data stored by a first vehicle key and a vehicle key will now be described in the following with joint reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0028] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0029] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, a method of exchanging, i.e. transmitting and / or receiving data between two car keys comprises the detection, by a first key, of the presence of a second key and / or by a second key of the presence of a first key at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance, the opening of a communication channel between the first and second keys, the selection of data from the first key to be exchanged and the transmission of the data to the second key via the communication channel and / or the reception of the data by the second key via the communication channel.

[0030] Such a method thus allows the exchange of data between car keys, this data being able to then be communicated to a vehicle, for example to send information to an AD AS system or to an infotainment system, called IVI (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement monté”). of a vehicle.

[0031] [Fig.l] illustrates an environment of a vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Fig.l] illustrates a first vehicle key 10 and a second vehicle key 11 advantageously configured to interact with a vehicle 110.

[0033] The vehicle 110 corresponds for example to a vehicle with a thermal engine, with electric motor(s) or even a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle 110 thus corresponds for example to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus.

[0034] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the first 10 and second 11 vehicle keys are configured to interact with the same vehicle 110.

[0035] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, the first 10 and second 11 vehicle keys are configured to interact with two separate vehicles 110.

[0036] The first 10 or second 11 vehicle key allows for example: - locking and / or unlocking openings of a vehicle 110, - starting a vehicle 110.

[0037] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, these interactions are carried out using a mechanical interface, for example between a bit of the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key and a lock or a key of the vehicle 110 with which it interacts.

[0038] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key interacts with a vehicle 110 via a wireless link, the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key advantageously comprising a transponder communicating with an on-board computer of the vehicle 110 via, for example, an antenna of the vehicle 110 connected to this computer.

[0039] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, a vehicle 110 carries for example one or more on-board systems using data such as: - contact details and / or business cards, for example a telephone number for an in-car telephone system and / or an address for an in-car navigation system, and / or - driving preferences, for a driving mode control system, and / or - user parameters, for a system controlling the position of a seat, the IVI system or even an air management system in a passenger compartment of the vehicle 110, and / or - traffic conditions, map data, parking space availability, and / or recommended routes for an on-board navigation system.

[0040] According to one example, the vehicle 110 further comprises a communication unit comprising at least one antenna, configured in particular to establish a wireless connection with one or more vehicle keys, for example the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key.

[0041] The communication unit of the vehicle 110 is for example connected to one or more computers of the vehicle 110, for example the computers of the on-board systems previously presented. The TCU unit and the computers advantageously form the on-board system of the vehicle 110, these computers forming with the TCU unit a multiplexed architecture for the realization of different services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle 110.The computers, the TCU and any devices communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the data bus type CAN (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôles"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate" or in French "Réseau de contrôles à débit de données flexible"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Réseau interconnecté local") or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0042] Data used by on-board systems of the vehicle 110, hereinafter called “vehicle data”, are then advantageously exchanged with a vehicle key, i.e. sent to or received from a vehicle key, for example the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key. These data are for example recorded in a memory 21 of the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key.

[0043] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a device integrated into a vehicle key 10 or 11 configured to exchange data with another vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The device is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described below and / or the steps of the methods described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The elements of the device, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0045] The device comprises one (or more) processor(s) 20 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device. The processor 20 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device further comprises at least one memory 21 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or includes a memory storage device which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0046] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor 20 is for example stored in the memory 21.

[0047] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit” or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0048] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a block 22 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 22 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or near field type in the 13.56 MHz frequency band; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0049] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device comprises a communication interface 23 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices via a communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0050] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a means display 240 corresponding for example to a touch display screen, one or more speakers 250, and / or other peripherals 260 via output interfaces 24, 25 and 26 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device.

[0051] Thus, the first key 10 or second key 11 of the vehicle comprises, for example: - a communication unit configured to transmit and / or receive data; - a memory 21; - a 20 processor; - a means for detecting another key at a distance less than a threshold distance from said key 10 or 11; - a means 240 for displaying stored data; and - a means of selecting stored data.

[0052] The means 240 for displaying and selecting stored data correspond, for example, to a touch screen of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type, of the TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) type, or of the OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) type. The touch screen is, for example, arranged in the center or at the top of a face of the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key. Of course, the position of the touch screen is not limited to this example, the touch screen being able to be arranged in any position.

[0053] The touchscreen allows content to be displayed to a user of the first 10 or second 11 vehicle key. The touchscreen is also configured to allow the user to interact with a system embedded in the vehicle key via a human machine interface (HMI) displayed on the touchscreen. For example, the touchscreen allows recorded data to be selected for exchange.

[0054] According to a first particular embodiment, a process for transmitting stored data from a first vehicle key 10 to a second vehicle key 11 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors embedded in a first vehicle key 10.

[0055] In a first operation of the transmission process, the first key 10 detects the presence of the second key 11 at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance.

[0056] The detection is for example carried out when a magnetic field or a signal emitted by the second vehicle key 11 is picked up by the first vehicle key 10, this magnetic field or signal being present in an area close to the second vehicle key 11, that is to say at a distance from the second vehicle key 11 less than a threshold distance, the threshold distance being for example equal to 30cm, 60cm or 1m. first vehicle key 10 then picks up this magnetic field or signal when it is located at a distance from the second vehicle key 11 less than this threshold distance.

[0057] The magnetic field or signal emitted by the second vehicle key 11 is, for example, emitted permanently or in pulses spaced out over time and recognizable by the first vehicle key 10.

[0058] In a second operation of the transmission process, the first vehicle key 10 opens a communication channel between the first vehicle key 10 and the second vehicle key 11.

[0059] The first 10 and second 11 vehicle keys then form a data exchange system between the first vehicle key 10 and the second vehicle key 11.

[0060] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the communication channel is established via a wireless connection.

[0061] The wireless connection belongs, for example, to a set of wireless connections comprising: - a radio frequency connection, - a Bluetooth connection, - a Wi-Fi connection, and - a near field connection.

[0062] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, a connection confirmation is required, a user of the first vehicle key 10 validating, for example, the connection to the second vehicle key 11 via a brief press on a graphic object displayed on the touch screen 240 of the first vehicle key 10.

[0063] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, no action from a user is required to establish the connection.

[0064] In a third operation of the transmission process, first data of the first vehicle key 10 are selected to be transmitted by the first vehicle key 10 to the second vehicle key 11.

[0065] These first data correspond for example to all or part of the vehicle data received by the first vehicle key 10 of a first vehicle 110.

[0066] These first data belong to a set of data comprising: - contact details, - business cards, - driving preferences, - user settings, - traffic conditions, - map data, - availability of parking spaces, and - recommended routes.

[0067] A user selects the first data to be sent, for example, from the touch screen 240 of the first vehicle key 10, the various available data being presented consecutively and selected or not by the user, for example by pressing on a graphic object corresponding to a data item or a group of data.

[0068] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, in a fourth operation of the transmission process, second data are transmitted by the first vehicle key 10 to the second vehicle key 11 allowing a user of the second vehicle key 11 to select data from the first vehicle key 10 to be received, the second data being for example representative of the data in memory of the first vehicle key 10.

[0069] According to this particular exemplary embodiment, in a fifth operation of the transmission process, the first vehicle key 10 receives third data transmitted by the second vehicle key 11 representative of the first data to be transmitted.

[0070] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, in a sixth operation of the transmission process, the first vehicle key 10 receives fourth data transmitted by the second vehicle key 11 representative of the first data to be transmitted.

[0071] In a seventh operation of the transmission process, the first selected data are transmitted by the first vehicle key 10 to the second vehicle key 11 via the previously established communication channel.

[0072] According to a second particular embodiment, a process of reception by the second vehicle key 11 of data stored by the first vehicle key 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors embedded in a second vehicle key 11.

[0073] In a first operation of the reception process, the second key 11 detects the presence of the first key 10 at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance.

[0074] The detection of the first vehicle key 10 by the second vehicle key 11 is, for example, similar to the detection of the second vehicle key 11 by the first vehicle key 10.

[0075] In a second operation of the receiving process, the second vehicle key 11 opens a communication channel between the first vehicle key 10 and the second vehicle key 11.

[0076] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, a connection confirmation is required, a user of the second vehicle key 11 validating, for example, the connection to the first vehicle key 10 via a brief press on a graphic object displayed on the touch screen 240 of the second vehicle key 11.

[0077] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, no action from a user is required to establish the connection.

[0078] In a third operation of the receiving process, first data of the first vehicle key 10 is selected to be received by the second key 11 from the first vehicle key 10.

[0079] These first data correspond for example to all or part of the vehicle data recorded in a memory 21 of the first vehicle key 10.

[0080] A user selects the first data to be received, for example, from the touch screen 240 of the second vehicle key 11, the various available data being presented consecutively and selected or not by the user, for example by pressing on a graphic object corresponding to a data item or a group of data.

[0081] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, in a fourth operation of the reception process, second data are received by the second vehicle key 11 from the first vehicle key 10 allowing a user of the second vehicle key 11 to select data from the first vehicle key 10 to be received, the second data being for example representative of the data in memory of the first vehicle key 10.

[0082] According to this particular exemplary embodiment, in a fifth operation of the transmission process, the second vehicle key 11 transmits third data to the first vehicle key 10 representative of the first data to be transmitted.

[0083] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, in a sixth operation of the transmission process, the second vehicle key 11 transmits fourth data to the first vehicle key 10 representative of the first data to be transmitted. The user selects, for example, types of data to be received, for example a business card or mapping data.

[0084] In a seventh operation of the transmission process, the first selected data is received by the second vehicle key 11 from the first vehicle key 10 via the previously established communication channel.

[0085] The first data received by the second vehicle key 11 are for example then transmitted to a second vehicle 110 associated with the second vehicle key 11, thus allowing an on-board system of the second vehicle 110 to use the first data received.

[0086] Thus, vehicle key data are exchanged securely and according to user needs. Vehicle data are also exchanged via keys associated with these vehicles.

[0087] For example, a user can thus duplicate settings of his driving position before using a second vehicle by simply bringing the keys of the two vehicles together and selecting the associated user parameters.

[0088] In another example, two users can exchange their business cards simply by bringing their car keys together and selecting their business card to exchange.

[0089] Of course, according to a third particular embodiment, the first vehicle key 10 transmits data to the second vehicle key 11 according to the first embodiment and also receives data transmitted by the second vehicle key 11 according to the second embodiment. The first 10 and second 11 keys then exchange data in both directions.

[0090] [Fig. 3] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for transmitting stored data from a first vehicle key to a second vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a device embedded in the first key 10 or by the device of [Fig. 2].

[0091] In a first step 31, the first vehicle key 10 detects the presence of the second vehicle key 11 at a distance between the first and second vehicle keys less than a threshold distance.

[0092] In a second operation 32, a communication channel is opened between the first and second vehicle keys.

[0093] In a third step 33, data to be exchanged from the first vehicle key 10 are selected.

[0094] In a fourth step 34, data is sent to the second vehicle key 11 via the communication channel.

[0095] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to [Fig.l] and / or [Fig.2] apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.3].

[0096] [Fig. 4] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for receiving by a second vehicle key data stored by a first vehicle key, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is for example implemented by a device embedded in the second key 11 or by the device of [Fig. 2].

[0097] In a first step 41, the second vehicle key 11 detects the presence of the first key 10 at a distance between the first and second vehicle keys less than a threshold distance.

[0098] In a second step 42, a communication channel is opened between the first and second vehicle keys.

[0099] In a third step 43, data of the first key 10 to be exchanged are se- selected.

[0100] In a fourth step 44, data is received by the second vehicle key 11 via the communication channel.

[0101] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to [Fig.l] and / or [Fig.2] apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.4].

[0102] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for exchanging data between vehicle keys which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0103] The present invention also relates to a system for exchanging data between a first vehicle key and a second vehicle key comprising the keys of [Fig.l] and / or the device of [Fig.2].

Claims

Claims

1. Method for transmitting stored data from a first vehicle key (10) to a second vehicle key (11), said method comprising the following steps: - detection (31), by said first key (10), of the presence of said second key (11) at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance; - opening (32) of a communication channel between said first and second keys; - selection (33) of data from the first key (10) to be exchanged; - transmission (34) of said data to said second key (11) via said communication channel.

2. Method for receiving by a second vehicle key (11) data stored by a first vehicle key (10), said method comprising the following steps: - detection (41), by said second key (11) of the presence of said first key (10) at a distance between the first and second keys less than a threshold distance; - opening (42) of a communication channel between said first and second keys; - selection (43) of data from the first key (10) to be exchanged; - reception (44) of said data by said second key (11) via said communication channel.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, for which said data belongs to a set of data comprising: - contact details, - business cards, - driving preferences, - user parameters, - traffic conditions, - map data, - availability of parking spaces, and - recommended routes.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said communication channel is established via a wireless connection.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said wireless connection belongs to a set of wireless connections comprising: - a radio frequency connection, - a Bluetooth connection, - a Wi-Fi connection, and - a near field connection.

6. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

7. Vehicle key (10, 11) comprising: - a communication unit configured to transmit and / or receive data; - a memory; - a processor; - means for detecting another key at a distance less than a threshold distance from said key (10, 11); - means for displaying (240) stored data; and - means for selecting stored data.

8. Key (10) according to claim 7, configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5.

9. Key (11) according to claim 7, configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

10. System for exchanging data between a first vehicle key (10) according to claim 8 and a second vehicle key (11) according to claim 9.

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