DEMATERIALIZED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE ACTUATOR CONTROLLED BY AN ELECTRONIC REMOTE CONTROL

Abstract

Title: DEMATERIALIZED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE ACTUATOR CONTROLLABLE BY AN ELECTRONIC REMOTE CONTROL The invention relates to a dematerialized system for controlling at least one controllable actuator (110) comprising: a housing (200) intended to be coupled to said at least one controllable actuator (110), and integrating a computer unit (240), a sensor (400) coupled to the computer unit (240), the computer unit (240) being configured to: identify a control instruction (CP); transmit the control instruction (CP) to a control device (210). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEMATERIALIZED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE ACTUATOR CONTROLLED BY AN ELECTRONIC REMOTE CONTROL Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of control systems.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates, in particular but not exclusively, to a dematerialized system for controlling an actuator controllable by remote control.

[0003] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, said system can be integrated into a motor vehicle, in particular for managing access to its board, or coupled to a lock on a building opening. State of the art

[0004] Controlling actuators using a remote control is widely known. Examples include systems for opening or closing a lock or devices for switching a lamp on or off via a remote control.

[0005] In the automotive field, for example, the use of a key equipped with an electronic card enabling radio waves to be transmitted to lock or unlock the passenger compartment is widespread.

[0006] However, such systems require the user to operate the remote control.

[0007] To solve this drawback, so-called hands-free systems have been developed.

[0008] In the field of home automation, the control of devices is done for example by voice instructions preceded by a predefined mention allowing an automaton to interpret the words spoken by the user as being instructions to be applied.

[0009] In the automotive field, hands-free keys (or cards) have been developed to allow an individual having said key (or card) in one of his pockets to open or close the vehicle as soon as he is in a predetermined area around the vehicle and triggers a sensor to indicate his desire to act.

[0010] In the automotive field, such systems are not without drawbacks.

[0011] First of all, these systems cannot be retrofitted to a vehicle. Retrofitting is understood to mean an action of equipping a vehicle without such a system.

[0012] Next, the use of hands-free keys (or cards) presents a major security flaw.

[0013] Indeed, hands-free keys (or cards) include a radio transmitter which transmits a radio signal capable of being detected by a device in the vehicle allowing the authentication of the individual who wishes to access the vehicle. However, this radio signal can be intercepted by a dedicated tool and then reused for malicious purposes without the owner of the vehicle noticing.

[0014] In other words, it is easy to duplicate a hands-free key (or card) by intercepting the radio signal it emits.

[0015] A final system developed, in particular to enable the sharing of motor vehicles, consists of the implementation of a box in a vehicle, which box is capable of communicating with a user's mobile phone, a dedicated computer application being previously loaded onto said mobile phone.

[0016] Such a system first requires heavy intervention on the vehicle to connect the box to the electronic architecture of the vehicle.

[0017] Furthermore, communication between the mobile phone and the box is carried out via the cellular network which is not accessible in all circumstances, particularly in underground car parks for example. This then results in an impossibility of using the system and accessing the vehicle.

[0018] Finally, this system requires leaving the key inside the vehicle, for example in the glove compartment, to allow each user to use the vehicle. This then presents a security risk when a user leaves a window open, the vehicle can then be easily opened, thus allowing access to the key which is in the glove compartment. Objectives of the invention

[0019] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0020] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a dematerialized system for controlling an actuator that can be controlled by remote control and can be retrofitted.

[0021] The invention also aims to provide such a system which has increased security.

[0022] The invention further aims to provide such a system which is simple to use. Statement of the invention

[0023] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a dematerialized system for controlling at least one actuator controllable by an electronic remote control, said system being ca- characterized in that it includes: • a housing intended to be coupled to said at least one controllable actuator, and integrating: • a device for controlling said electronic remote control, • a communication module; • a memory grouping at least one authorized identifier and at least one predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, each associated with a pilot instruction, and • a computer unit, • a computer application intended to be loaded by a portable computer device integrating means of communication intended to form a communication channel with the communication module of the box, said computer application integrating at least one host identifier, • a sensor coupled to the computer unit and intended to capture at least one predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, the computer unit being configured for: • receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor; • compare said received sound and / or vibration sequence to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an associated control instruction; • receive a host identifier via said communication channel; • compare said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory, and • transmit the corresponding control instruction to the control device if the host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier and the sound and / or vibration sequence received corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0024] Such a system can thus be fitted as a retrofit, for example in a motor vehicle or on an opening, without requiring complex and costly arrangements.

[0025] This is explained by the fact that only one box needs to be coupled to the remote control, the box being able for example to be energy autonomous, thus limiting installation constraints.

[0026] The combination of the housing, the sensor and the computer application makes it possible to secure the use of the system.

[0027] Indeed, the exchanges between the computer application and the box (via the communication channel) make it possible to ensure the identity of the individual who wishes to trigger the or each controllable actuator, while the cooperation between the sensor and the box makes it possible to ensure the will to act on the or each controllable actuator since each sound and / or vibration sequence is unique and associated with a specific control instruction.

[0028] Finally, the use of the system proves to be particularly easy since a user only has to reproduce the sound and / or vibration sequence to enable the triggering of the or each controllable actuator.

[0029] According to an advantageous aspect, the computer unit is configured to authorize the communication module to establish a communication channel with communication means of a nomadic computer device only when a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0030] This limits the risks of computer hacking since the communication module is not continuously active.

[0031] According to an advantageous aspect, the computer unit is configured to receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor and compare it to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence only when a host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier contained in the memory.

[0032] This also makes it possible to limit the risks of malicious actuation of the or each controllable actuator since it is necessary for the user to be recognized so that the sound and / or vibration sequence can be captured and processed by the box.

[0033] In other words, if a malicious individual succeeds in identifying the sound and / or vibration sequence to be used, the application of said sound and / or vibration sequence will have no impact since the malicious individual will not be identified as being authorized by the box.

[0034] According to an advantageous aspect, the control device is formed by an electrical connection allowing the transfer of the control instruction in the form of electrical signals.

[0035] This architecture makes it possible to integrate the electronic part of the remote control into the housing so as to limit the visual impact of the system once installed. Indeed, space saving can be obtained by direct soldering between the computer unit and an electronic card of the remote control or even a wired connection between the computer unit and said electronic card of the remote control.

[0036] According to an advantageous aspect, the control device takes the form of at least one push button applying a force to physical buttons of the electronic remote control.

[0037] This architecture makes it easy to make the installation of the system reversible.

[0038] Indeed, if it is desired to uninstall the system, it is then sufficient to uncouple the remote control from the control device to use the remote control in a classic.

[0039] According to an advantageous aspect, the system also comprises a short-range high-frequency scanner, coupled to the computer unit, and at least one transmitter intended to be detected by said scanner, said transmitter being intended to be held by a user of the system.

[0040] The use of the scanner and the transmitter makes it possible to make the system operational in the event of failure of the sensor and / or the portable computing device, for example.

[0041] Indeed, the authentication of the user and the desire to trigger the controllable actuator is carried out directly thanks to the cooperation of the scanner with the transmitter.

[0042] In the case of a system capable of controlling several controllable actuators, it will be preferred that each controllable actuator be associated with a scanner so that the cooperation between the transmitter and the scanner only allows the controllable actuator associated with the sensor to be controlled.

[0043] According to an advantageous aspect, the computing unit is configured to calculate a distance between the box and the mobile computing device with which a communication path is formed, and transmit an authentication request to the computing application when the distance between the box and the mobile computing device is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0044] This directly benefits the security of the system in that only the computer application can receive the authentication request. Therefore, the owner of the computer application can either act remotely if he wishes, via the application, or be informed of the unwanted attempt to control the controllable actuator, for example by a malicious individual.

[0045] In any event, the user who owns the portable computer device on which the computer application is loaded is the only one who can authorize the control of the controllable actuator.

[0046] According to an advantageous aspect, the computer application is configured to prevent the formation of a communication path with the communication module of the box when the portable computer device is in an inactive configuration.

[0047] This makes it possible to avoid any computer intrusion into the application to recover usable data to trigger the or each controllable actuator.

[0048] This is particularly useful when the portable computing device is not in use, for example when it is stationary, for example resting on a table with little or no supervision.

[0049] According to an advantageous aspect, the computing unit is configured to identify a partial correspondence of a captured sound and / or vibration sequence with the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, and associating a percentage of correspondence, the transmission of the control instruction to the control device being carried out if the percentage of correspondence is greater than a predetermined threshold percentage.

[0050] Thus, a slight error in the reproduction of a sound and / or vibration sequence by a user does not prevent the actuator from being triggered.

[0051] In other words, if the sequence is sound, for example a sentence to be pronounced, a slight jump in the voice or a pronounced accent does not form an obstacle to triggering the actuator.

[0052] This comes in handy when several different users are using the same system.

[0053] According to an advantageous aspect, the computer unit is configured to store in the memory the or each captured sound and / or vibration sequence having a correspondence percentage of between 85% and 99.99%.

[0054] This makes it possible to enrich the memory to allow autonomous learning of the system.

[0055] Thus, the system can distinguish the voluntary action of a user to reproduce the sound and / or vibration sequence from a fortuitous event approaching a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0056] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, in the case of the use of the system on a motor vehicle, if a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence corresponds to two sharp blows made on the bodywork, then a repetition of sharp blows linked to large raindrops would not be recorded as a new sequence intended to enrich the memory. On the contrary, the sound and / or vibration sequence resulting from the realization of two sharp blows made on the bodywork by a user equipped with gloves limiting the force of the impact on the bodywork, could be recorded as a new sequence intended to enrich the memory because it has a percentage of correspondence between 85% and 99.99%.

[0057] The invention also relates to a method for controlling at least one actuator controllable by an electronic remote control using a system as previously presented, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting of: • receiving a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by the sensor; • compare said received sound and / or vibration sequence to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an associated control instruction; • receive a host identifier via said communication channel; • compare said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in memory, and • transmit a control instruction to the control device if the host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier and the received sound and / or vibration sequence corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, to trigger the at least one controllable actuator.

[0058] Such a method makes it possible to control a controllable actuator without resorting to the manual use of the associated remote control.

[0059] This allows a user in particular to trigger a controllable actuator securely, simply by performing a sound and / or vibration sequence, provided that he has a portable computer device on which he has previously loaded the computer application.

[0060] According to an advantageous aspect, the method also comprises the steps of calculating a distance between the box and the mobile computing device, and transmitting an authentication request to the computer application when the distance between the box and the mobile computing device is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0061] This directly benefits the security of use of the system in that only the computer application can receive the authentication request. Therefore, the owner of the computer application can either act remotely if he wishes, via the application, or be informed of the unwanted attempt to control the controllable actuator, for example by a malicious individual.

[0062] In any event, the user who owns the portable computer device on which the computer application is loaded is the only one who can authorize the control of the controllable actuator.

[0063] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle integrating a system as previously presented, the housing being housed inside the motor vehicle, and the or each controllable actuator taking the form of one of a lock and an electronic immobilizer.

[0064] Such a vehicle equipped with the system described above allows simplified use, in particular for the opening and / or closing of its openings such as the doors, the trunk, the engine hood or even the fuel flap.

[0065] The user therefore does not need to use the key directly; the portable computing device that he or she has allows him or her to authenticate himself or herself and the performance of the sound sequence allows him or her to trigger the controllable actuator that he or she wishes. Figures

[0066] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the attached drawings described below.

[0067] [Fig. 1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a vehicle using a dematerialized system for controlling an actuator controllable by remote control, according to the invention.

[0068] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a first mode of rea lization of a housing of the system according to the invention.

[0069] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a housing of the system according to the invention.

[0070] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a diagram illustrating a first variant of a method of control of at least one actuator controllable by an electronic remote control using a system according to the invention.

[0071] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a diagram illustrating a second variant of a method for controlling at least one actuator controllable by an electronic remote control by means of a system according to the invention.

[0072] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a diagram illustrating a succession of optional steps of the method of Figures 4 and 5. Detailed description of the invention

[0073] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 100 comprising an actuator 110 controllable by a remote control, said remote control integrating an electronic card 120.

[0074] The controllable actuator 110 is, for example, in the case of the motor vehicle 100, a door lock. Alternatively, the system could be used to control a lock of a building opening.

[0075] In a known manner, the lock can be operated by a user by manipulating the remote control.

[0076] To enable the triggering of the controllable actuator 110, i.e. the lock in the case of the motor vehicle 100 represented by [Fig.l], a system according to the invention is used.

[0077] Such a system allows the actuator 110 to be triggered by a user without the latter having to manipulate the remote control.

[0078] For this, the system comprises a housing 200 intended to be coupled to the controllable actuator 110, a computer application 300 intended to be loaded by a portable computer device 310, and a sensor 400 coupled to the housing 200.

[0079] More specifically, the housing 200 integrates: - a control device 210 for controlling the actuator 110; - a 220 communication module; - a 230 memory, and - a 240 computer unit.

[0080] As will be explained later, the computer unit 240 is configured to transmit to the control device 210 a control instruction CP to be applied in order to trigger the controllable actuator 110. By the term “trigger”, it is meant to change the state of the actuator compared to an initial state.

[0081] The transmission of the control instruction CP to the control device 210 is made possible thanks to the use of the memory 230, the communication module 220, the computer application 300, and the sensor 400.

[0082] In more detail, the memory 230 groups together at least one authorized identifier and at least one predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence. Each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence is associated with a CP control instruction. The or each authorized identifier integrates a user profile with which authorizations and / or restrictions are associated. As an illustrative and non-limiting example, the authorizations may correspond to actuators that can be controlled and the restrictions may correspond to time slots of use or even to actuators that cannot be controlled.

[0083] The communication module 220 is intended to form a communication path with communication means 320 of the portable computing device 310 to enable the exchange of information between the box 200 and the portable computing device 310, more precisely the computing application 300.

[0084] The computer application 300 integrates at least one host identifier. The computer application 300 can thus contain a plurality of host identifiers each corresponding to a user profile as mentioned previously.

[0085] Finally, the sensor 400 is coupled to the computer unit 240 and is intended to capture at least one predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence. As will be explained below, the predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence intended to be captured by the sensor is performed by a user.

[0086] The control device 210 allows the control of the actuator 110 without being directly connected to it.

[0087] In other words, the control device 210 does not act directly on the controllable actuator 110 but acts on the electronic card 120 of the remote control.

[0088] With reference to [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the housing 200 is schematically represented according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment respectively.

[0089] The housing 200 incorporates a housing 205 for receiving the electronic card 120 of the remote control. In a variant not shown, the housing allows the entire remote control to be accommodated (for example a duplicate of the remote control).

[0090] For the purpose of simplifying [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], only the electronic card 120, the control device 210 and the computer unit 240 are shown in the housing 200.

[0091] According to the first embodiment illustrated by [Fig.2], the control device 210 is formed by an electrical connection allowing the transfer of the control instruction in the form of electrical signals. As illustrated by [Fig.2], the control device 210 takes the form of at least one pin 211 allowing the transfer of the control instruction CP in the form of electrical signals by connecting the computer unit 240 to the electronic card 120 of the remote control. For this, the pin(s) 211 are integral with the computer unit 240 and cooperate with electronic elements of the electrical card 120. Alternatively, the computer unit 240 has said electronic access elements and the or each pin is integral with the electronic card 120 of the remote control.

[0092] According to the second embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 3], the control device 210 takes the form of at least one pusher 212 applying a force to physical buttons 125 of the remote control. The physical buttons 125 are more specifically carried by the electronic card 120. As illustrated by [Fig. 3], the control device 210 comprises two pushers 212 each acting on a physical button 125 of the electronic card 120. Preferably, the control device 210 comprises as many pushers 212 as there are physical buttons 125 to be actuated on the electronic card 120.

[0093] Note that, in the case where the remote control is entirely received in the housing 205, the physical buttons 125 of the remote control are those on which a user would conventionally press, that is to say those present on a shell of the remote control.

[0094] As mentioned previously, the action of the control device 210 is only carried out after receiving a control instruction CP sent by the computer unit 240.

[0095] For this, from data received by the memory 230, by the communication module 220 and by the sensor 400, the computer unit 240 is configured to transmit to the control device 210 a control instruction CP to be applied.

[0096] The system which has just been described allows the implementation of a method for controlling at least one actuator 110 controllable by an electronic remote control, said method comprising the steps consisting of: • receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by the sensor 400; • compare said received sound and / or vibration sequence to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an associated CP control instruction; • receive a host identifier via said communication channel; • compare said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory 230, and • transmit a CP control instruction to the control device 210 if the host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier and the sound and / or vibration sequence corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, to trigger the at least one controllable actuator 110.

[0097] The computer unit 240 thus comprises means for receiving sound and / or vibration sequences and host identifiers and means for comparing the sound and / or vibration sequences and host identifiers with predetermined sound and / or vibration sequences and authorized identifiers respectively, as well as means for transmitting a CP control instruction associated with each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence. Said means take for example the form of lines of computer code recorded in the computer unit 240.

[0098] In more detail, the computer unit 240 of the box 200 is configured to: - receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor 400; - compare said received sound and / or vibration sequence to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an associated control instruction; - receive a host identifier via said communication channel; - comparing said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory 230, and - transmit the corresponding CP control instruction to the control device 210.

[0099] As described previously, the transmission of the CP control instruction is only carried out when the host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier and the sound and / or vibration sequence corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0100] With reference to [Fig.4], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], said method is now described according to a first variant ([Fig.4]), according to a second variant ([Fig.5]) and according to a succession of optional steps ([Fig.6]).

[0101] According to the first variant illustrated by [Fig.4], the processing of the data linked to the identifier is carried out after the processing of the data linked to the sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0102] In other words, the processing of the data linked to the identifier is conditioned by the correspondence between a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by the sensor 400 and a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence contained in the memory 230.

[0103] The first variant of the method is described further with reference to [Fig.4].

[0104] The housing 200, and more precisely, the computer unit 240 is configured for receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by the sensor 400, as illustrated by the block SI.

[0105] In other words, the sensor 400 is permanently listening to capture a sound and / or vibration sequence and transmit it to the computer unit 240.

[0106] Upon receipt, the computer unit 240 compares the received sound and / or vibration sequence with the or each sound and / or vibration sequence in the memory 230, as illustrated by the block S2.

[0107] If the computer unit fails to establish a correspondence between the captured sound and / or vibration sequence and a sound and / or vibration sequence contained in the memory 230, then the method is interrupted and restarts at block SI.

[0108] On the other hand, if there is a correspondence between the captured sound and / or vibration sequence and a sound and / or vibration sequence contained in the memory 230, then the computer unit commands the communication module 220 to establish a communication path with the communication means 320 of a nearby portable computer device 310, as illustrated by the COM block.

[0109] The establishment of the communication channel is made possible by switching on the portable computing device 310 on which the computing application 300 has previously been loaded.

[0110] The computer application 300 is advantageously configured to control the communication means 320 of the portable computer device 310 in order to authorize the detection of a signal emitted by the communication module 220 of the box 200 and therefore the establishment of the communication channel, according to a conventional protocol for coupling communicating devices.

[0111] If no communication path can be established, then the process is interrupted and restarts at block SL

[0112] When the communication channel is established, the computer unit 240 is configured to receive a host identifier contained in the computer application 300 of the mobile computer device 310 with which the communication channel was established, as illustrated by block II.

[0113] If the computer unit 240 does not receive a host identifier from the computer application 300, then the method is interrupted and restarts at block SL

[0114] On the other hand, if the computer unit 240 receives a host identifier from the computer application 300, then it compares said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory 230.

[0115] If no match is established following the comparison, then the process is interrupted and restarts at block SL

[0116] On the other hand, if a correspondence is established between said received host identifier and a authorized identifier contained in the memory 230, then the computer unit 240 transmits to the control device 210 the corresponding CP control instruction.

[0117] This then causes the controllable actuator 110 to be triggered.

[0118] Of course, the transmission of the CP piloting instruction is carried out according to the authorizations and / or restrictions associated with the user profile corresponding to the authorized identifier.

[0119] According to the first variant of the method, it is possible to use only the computer application 300 to enable the transmission of the control instruction CP to the control device 210, as illustrated by block A.

[0120] In this case, the computer application 300 is configured to force the establishment of the communication channel between the communication means 320 and the communication module 220.

[0121] From then on, the sound and / or vibration sequence is no longer necessary, nor even the transmission of the host identifier. Indeed, by forcing the establishment of the communication channel, the computer application 300 transmits a data packet to the computer unit 240, this data packet including in particular data making it possible to authenticate the user and data concerning the action to be carried out.

[0122] For this, the computer application 300 comprises, for example, digital action buttons, directly selectable by a user to act on the desired controllable actuator 110.

[0123] According to the first variant of the method, it is still possible to allow the transmission of the control instruction CP to the control device 210 when one of the portable computer device 310 and the computer application 300 is faulty, as illustrated by the block SC.

[0124] For this, with reference to [Fig. 1], the user has a transmitter 600 which he positions near a scanner 500. The scanner 500 is advantageously located in the vicinity of a controllable actuator 110 so that said scanner is associated with a single controllable actuator 110. Thus, the system can comprise as many scanners 500 as there are actuators 110 to which it is coupled.

[0125] The transmitter 600 transmits a signal intended to be read by the scanner 500. The signal transmitted by the transmitter 600 preferably comprises at least one unique code making it possible to identify the transmitter 600. In fact, this technology operates on the principle of a power supply to the transmitter 600 by the sensor 500 when they are in close proximity to each other. When the transmitter 600 is powered, it can then transmit its signal which is read by the sensor 500.

[0126] Each scanner 500 integrates an internal memory grouping data linked to at least one transmitter 600. When the transmitter 600 in question is brought close to the scanner 500, crypto-asymmetric exchanges are carried out between the scanner 500 and the transmitter 600, allowing the scanner 500 to recognize the transmitter 600 and, consequently, to control the controllable actuator 110 to trigger it without the box 200 needing to authenticate the user via the computer application 300.

[0127] Preferably, the scanner 500 is of the NFC type (or any other type of scanner could also be used). The scanner 500 is protected against computer hacking intended to steal the data contained in its internal memory, namely the or each unique code.

[0128] The scanner 500 can also be powered for the detection of a transmitter 600 as soon as a sound and / or vibration sequence is identified. This makes it possible to limit the energy consumption of the scanner 500 and to compensate for a malfunction of the computer application 300 or the portable computer device 310.

[0129] Unlike the first variant, according to the second variant illustrated by [Fig.5], the processing of the data linked to the identifier is carried out before the processing of the data linked to the sound sequence.

[0130] In other words, the processing of data linked to the sound and / or vibration sequence is conditioned by the correspondence between a host identifier and an authorized identifier contained in the memory 230.

[0131] The second variant of the method is described further with reference to [Fig.5].

[0132] The housing 200, and more precisely, the computer unit 240 is configured to receive a host identifier contained in the computer application 300 of the mobile computer device 310 with which the communication channel has been established, as illustrated by block II.

[0133] For this, the communication module 220 of the housing 200 is kept active so that it can establish a communication path with any mobile computing device 310 comprising communication means 320.

[0134] Furthermore, the computer application 300 is advantageously configured to control the communication means 320 of the portable computer device 310 in order to authorize the detection of a signal emitted by the communication module 220 of the box 200 and therefore the establishment of the communication channel, according to a conventional protocol for coupling communicating devices.

[0135] When the communication path is established, the computing unit 240 can receive a host identifier via the communication module 220.

[0136] If the computer unit 240 does not receive a host identifier from the computer application 300, then the method is interrupted and restarts at block II.

[0137] On the other hand, if the computer unit 240 receives a host identifier from the computer application 300, then it compares said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory 230.

[0138] If no match is established following the comparison, then the process is interrupted and restarts at block II.

[0139] On the other hand, if a correspondence is established between said received host identifier and an authorized identifier contained in the memory 230, then the computer unit commands the sensor 400 to capture a sound and / or vibration sequence performed by a user and transmit it to the computer unit 240, as illustrated by the COM block.

[0140] If no sound and / or vibration sequence can be captured by the sensor 400, then the method is interrupted and restarts at block II.

[0141] On the contrary, upon receipt, the computer unit 240 compares the received sound and / or vibration sequence with the or each sound and / or vibration sequence in the memory 230, as illustrated by the block S2.

[0142] If the computer unit fails to establish a correspondence between the captured sound and / or vibration sequence and a sound and / or vibration sequence contained in the memory 230, then the method is interrupted and restarts at block II.

[0143] On the other hand, if there is a correspondence between the captured sound and / or vibration sequence and a sound and / or vibration sequence contained in the memory 230, then the computer unit 240 transmits to the control device 210 the control instruction CP corresponding to the sound and / or vibration sequence produced by the user.

[0144] This then causes the controllable actuator 110 to be triggered.

[0145] Of course, the transmission of the CP piloting instruction is carried out according to the authorizations and / or restrictions associated with the user profile corresponding to the authorized identifier.

[0146] According to the second variant of the method, it is also possible to use only the computer application 300 to enable the transmission of the control instruction CP to the control device 210, as illustrated by block A.

[0147] In this case, the computer application 300 is configured to force the establishment of the communication channel between the communication means 320 and the communication module 220.

[0148] From then on, the sound and / or vibration sequence is no longer necessary, nor even the transmission of the host identifier. Indeed, by forcing the establishment of the communication channel, the computer application 300 transmits a data packet to the computer unit 240, this data packet including in particular data making it possible to authenticate the user and data concerning the action to be carried out.

[0149] For this, the computer application 300 comprises, for example, digital action buttons that can be selected directly by a user to act on the desired controllable actuator 110.

[0150] According to the second variant of the method, it is also possible to allow the transmission of the control instruction CP to the control device 210 when one of the mobile computing device 310 and the computing application 300 are faulty, as illustrated by the block SC.

[0151] For this, with reference to [Fig. 1], the user has a transmitter 600 which he positions near a scanner 500. The scanner 500 is advantageously located in the vicinity of a controllable actuator 110 so that said scanner is associated with a single controllable actuator 110. Thus, the system can comprise as many scanners 500 as there are actuators 110 to which it is coupled.

[0152] The transmitter 600 transmits a signal intended to be read by the scanner 500. The signal transmitted by the transmitter 600 preferably comprises at least one unique code making it possible to identify the transmitter 600. In fact, this technology operates on the principle of a power supply to the transmitter 600 by the sensor 500 when they are in close proximity to each other. When the transmitter 600 is powered, it can then transmit its signal which is read by the sensor 500.

[0153] Each scanner 500 integrates an internal memory grouping together data linked to at least one transmitter 600. When the transmitter 600 in question is brought close to the scanner 500, crypto-asymmetric exchanges are carried out between the scanner 500 and the transmitter 600, allowing the scanner 500 to recognize the transmitter 600 and, consequently, to control the controllable actuator 110 to trigger it without the box 200 needing to authenticate the user via the computer application 300.

[0154] Preferably, the scanner 500 is of the NFC type (or any other type of scanner could also be used), that is to say that it can receive data but does not transmit it. The scanner 500 is protected against computer hacking intended to steal the data contained in its internal memory, namely the or each unique code.

[0155] Independently of the first variant illustrated by [Fig.4] and the second variant illustrated by [Fig.5], it is also possible to allow the transmission of the CP control instruction to the control device 210 by the sole use of the computer application 300.

[0156] For this, a temporary communication channel is created by a user as soon as the latter is located within a defined perimeter around the box 200. More specifically, the user, via the portable computing device 310 that he owns, sends a detection request to detect boxes located nearby. When the user detects the box 200 that he wants, he selects it via the computer application 300 in order to establish the temporary communication channel and thus be able to transmit the CP control instruction to the control device 210.

[0157] When establishing the temporary communication channel, an exchange of information, allowing the identification of the user, is carried out before the transmission of the CP control instruction is authorized to the device. piloting 210.

[0158] This allows in particular a user who uses his portable computing device 310 to remotely control the control device 210 without having to perform a sound and / or vibration sequence, while maintaining increased security.

[0159] With reference to [Fig.6], a succession of optional steps of the variants of the method which has just been presented is now described.

[0160] This succession of steps concerns the user authentication part, i.e. the identification steps, illustrated by blocks II and 12 in [Fig.4] and in [Fig.5].

[0161] This succession of optional steps aims to further strengthen the security of the system by ensuring the presence of the user within a predetermined perimeter.

[0162] Between blocks II and 12, i.e. between the reception of the host identifier (block II) and the comparison with the or each authorized identifier (block 12), the computing unit 240 is configured to calculate a distance between the box 200 and the nomadic computing device 310 with which a communication path is formed, as illustrated by block Z in [Fig.6].

[0163] When the distance between the housing and the portable computing device is greater than a predetermined threshold, the computing unit 240 is configured to transmit an authentication request to the computing application 300, as illustrated by the block R in [Fig.6].

[0164] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, the predetermined threshold may be between 2 meters and 5 meters around the housing 200. In other words, when the portable computing device 310 is located in an area between 2 meters and 5 meters around the housing 200, the computer application 300 receives an authentication request sent by the computer unit 240.

[0165] The response to this request can either be made automatically by the computer application 300, or require interaction from the user with the portable computer device 310 that he owns.

[0166] Furthermore, the computer unit 240 can also be configured to restart the succession of optional steps when the computer unit 240 calculates a distance greater than 5 meters. In this case, it can be considered that the request to trigger the controllable actuator 110 is fraudulent, and therefore blocked.

[0167] For security purposes, the data exchanged between the computer application 300 and the box 200 are encrypted according to a dedicated protocol.

[0168] However, to further increase security, the computer application 300 is configured to prevent the formation of a communication path with the communication module 220 of the box 200 when the mobile computer device 320 is in a stationary configuration.

[0169] In a stationary configuration, the portable computing device 310 is not used and is, for example, placed on a table. For this, the computer application 300 can use data provided by an accelerometer or a geolocation system of the portable computing device 310.

[0170] According to one aspect, the computer unit 240 is configured to identify a partial correspondence of a captured sound and / or vibration sequence with the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence. Following an identification, the computer unit 240 is configured to associate a percentage of correspondence with said captured sound and / or vibration sequence. The transmission of the control instruction CP to the control device 210 is then carried out only if the percentage of correspondence is greater than a predetermined threshold percentage.

[0171] For informational and non-limiting purposes, said predetermined threshold is for example between 75% and 99.99%.

[0172] Thus, a slight error in the reproduction of a sound and / or vibration sequence by a user does not prevent the triggering of the controllable actuator 110.

[0173] In other words, if the sequence is sound, for example a sentence to be pronounced, a slight jump in the voice or a pronounced accent does not form an obstacle to triggering the actuator.

[0174] This comes in handy when several different users are using the same system.

[0175] According to one aspect, the computer unit 240 is also configured to store in the memory 230 the or each captured sound and / or vibration sequence having a correspondence percentage of between 85% and 99.99%.

[0176] This makes it possible to enrich the memory 230 to allow autonomous learning of the system.

[0177] Thus, the system can distinguish the voluntary action of a user to reproduce the sound and / or vibration sequence from a fortuitous event approaching a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0178] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, in the case of the use of the system on a motor vehicle 100, as illustrated by [Fig.l], if a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence corresponds to two sharp blows made on the bodywork, then a repetition of sharp blows linked to large raindrops would not be recorded as a new sequence intended to enrich the memory 230. On the contrary, the sound and / or vibration sequence resulting from the realization of two sharp blows made on the bodywork by a user equipped with gloves limiting the force of the impact on the bodywork, could be recorded as a new sequence intended to enrich the memory because it has a percentage of correspondence between 85% and 99.99%.

[0179] However, it will be preferred that the comparison of sound and / or vibration frequencies captured by the sensor 400 is carried out with the data initially contained in the memory 230, that is to say with the predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence(s). This will make it possible to avoid excessive drift in the comparison results.

[0180] In other words, the new sound and / or vibration sequences recorded automatically, depending on their percentage of correspondence, can be used for a total comparison, that is to say a 100% comparison.

[0181] The computer application 310 is also configured to allow the updating of the box 200.

[0182] For this, thanks to the communication means 320 of the portable computer device 310, the computer application 300 can connect to a remote computer network allowing the user to modify the parameters of the user profiles, to add or delete user profiles, to download updates from the computer unit 240 or even to add or delete sound and / or vibration sequences, this list of actions not being exhaustive.

[0183] When an update is to be carried out, the latter can be done as soon as the communication path is established between the portable computing device 310 and the box 200, or by action of the user on the computer application 300 when the portable computing device 310 is close to the box 200.

[0184] Alternatively, the learning of new sound and / or vibration sequences could be done by capturing, via the sensor 400, a sound and / or vibration sequence produced by the user, the computer application 300 then being used to transmit a learning instruction to the computer unit 240, the computer unit then recording, in the memory 230, the new sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0185] According to one aspect, the communication module 220 of the housing 200 can allow a connection to a cellular network for example to allow an automatic update of the computer unit 240.

[0186] The system and method which have just been described make it possible to facilitate the control of a controllable actuator 110.

[0187] According to one aspect, the exchange protocol between the box 200 and the computer application 300 is Bluetooth, for example Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, any other alternative exchange protocol offering low consumption could be used.

[0188] In the case of the identification of a partial correspondence of a captured sound and / or vibration sequence, the predetermined sequence is included in a neuron node which allows the interpretation of the captured sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an intention of action on the part of a user.

[0189] In other words, the neural network allows continuous learning of the system, avoiding only a strict comparison of the captured sound and / or vibration sequence. The strict comparison could indeed prevent a user from interacting with the controllable actuator 110 as soon as the sound and / or vibration sequence differs slightly from the predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

[0190] Thanks to the system and the method which have just been described, the user who has the portable computing device 310 in one of his pockets for example, can perform a gesture on the bodywork of the motor vehicle 100, for example a “TOC-TOC” by two sharp taps of the finger, the sound and / or the vibration resulting from this gesture then forming the sound and / or vibration sequence which is captured by the sensor 400.

[0191] When the user is recognized via the exchanges between the box 200 and the computer application 300 which is loaded into his portable computer device 310, the controllable actuator 110 is triggered, that is to say the lock is open, and the user can open the door to enter the motor vehicle 100.

[0192] According to one aspect, the actuator could be an electronic immobilizer of the motor vehicle 100.

[0193] According to one aspect, the same sound and / or vibration sequence can be associated with the triggering of several controllable actuators 110.

[0194] As an example, the “TOC-TOC” previously described can be used to open all the locks of the motor vehicle 100.

[0195] This therefore results in simplified use for the user since he does not have to use his remote control to trigger a controllable actuator 110.

[0196] Furthermore, still in the example of use for a motor vehicle 100, the system according to the invention makes it possible to facilitate the sharing of a motor vehicle 100 by several people since each person simply needs to load the computer application 300 onto a portable computer device 310 that they own, and to know the action(s) to be performed in order to be able to use the motor vehicle 100.

[0197] It is therefore not necessary to carry out a physical key transfer as is conventionally the case.

[0198] Furthermore, since the housing 200 can be hidden, secured and / or locked in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 100, and only integrates the electronic part of a key, i.e. the part forming the remote control, the use of the system proves to be safe.

Claims

Claims

1. Dematerialized system for controlling at least one actuator (110) controllable by an electronic remote control, said system being characterized in that it comprises: • a housing (200) intended to be coupled to said at least one controllable actuator (110), and integrating: • a control device (210) for said electronic remote control, • a communication module (220); • a memory (230) grouping at least one authorized identifier and at least one predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence each associated with a pilot instruction (CP), and • a computer unit (240), • a computer application (300) intended to be loaded by a portable computer device (310) integrating communication means (320) intended to form a communication channel with the communication module (220) of the box (200), said computer application (300) integrating at least one host identifier, • a sensor (400) coupled to the computer unit (240) and intended to capture at least one predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, the computer unit (240) being configured for: • receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor (400); • compare said received sound and / or vibration sequence to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an associated control instruction (CP); • receive a host identifier via said communication channel; • compare said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory (230), and • transmit the corresponding control instruction (CP) to the control device (210) if the host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier and the sound and / or vibration sequence received corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the computer unit (240) is configured to authorize the communication module (220) to establish a communication channel with communication means (320) of a portable computer device (310) only when a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor (400) corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer unit (240) is configured to receive a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by said sensor (400) and compare it to the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence only when a host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier contained in the memory (230).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (210) is formed by an electrical connection allowing the transfer of the control instruction (CP) in the form of electrical signals.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control device (210) takes the form of at least one push button (212) applying a force to physical buttons (125) of the electronic remote control.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a short-range high-frequency scanner (500), coupled to the computer unit (240), and at least one transmitter (600) intended to be detected by said scanner (500), said transmitter (600) being intended to be held by a user of the system.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer unit (240) is configured to calculate a distance between the box (200) and the mobile computer device (310) with which a communication path is formed, and transmit an authentication request to the computer application (300) when the distance between the box (200) and the mobile computer device (310) is greater than a predetermined threshold.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer application (300) is configured to prevent the formation of a communication path with the communication module (220) of the box (200) when the portable computer device (310) is in an inactive configuration.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer unit (300) is configured to identify a partial correspondence of a captured sound and / or vibration sequence with the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, and to associate a percentage of correspondence, the transmission of the control instruction (CP) to the control device (210) being carried out if the percentage of correspondence is greater than a predetermined threshold percentage.

10. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the computer unit (300) is configured to store in the memory (230) the or each captured sound and / or vibration sequence having a correspondence percentage of between 85% and 99.99%.

11. Method for controlling at least one actuator (110) controllable by an electronic remote control by means of a system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: • receiving a sound and / or vibration sequence captured by the sensor (400); • comparing said received sound and / or vibration sequence with the or each predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence to identify an associated control instruction (CP); • receiving a host identifier via said communication channel;• compare said received host identifier with the or each authorized identifier contained in the memory (230), and • transmit a control instruction (CP) to the control device if the host identifier corresponds to an authorized identifier and the received sound and / or vibration sequence corresponds to a predetermined sound and / or vibration sequence, to trigger the at least one controllable actuator (110).;

12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also includes the steps of calculating a distance between the housing (200) and the mobile computing device (310), and transmitting an authentication request to the computer application (300) when the distance between the housing (200) and the mobile computing device (310) is greater than a predetermined threshold.

13. Motor vehicle (100) characterized in that it integrates a system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the housing (200) being housed inside the motor vehicle (100), and in that the or each controllable actuator (110) takes the form of one of a lock and an electronic immobilizer.

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