Hands-free vehicle access and auto-start ID

Abstract

The invention relates to a hands-free identifier for a vehicle, comprising a first BLE communication module comprising a first electronic control unit and an application layer, a) said first electronic control unit being configured to: - emit events according to a BLE communication protocol, - receive a scan request from said vehicle, - send a return response to said vehicle, b) said application layer being configured to position said hands-free identifier in an announcement mode and to configure a time interval between the emission of two consecutive events for said announcement mode, characterized in that said application layer is further configured to position said hands-free identifier in a slow announcement mode or a fast announcement mode,and in that said first electronic control unit is further configured to transmit to said application layer confirmation information of receipt of said scanning request, and in that said application layer is further configured to, upon receipt of said confirmation information, modify said time interval to position said hands-free identifier in the quick announcement mode, and in that said first electronic control unit is further configured to, after positioning the hands-free identifier in the quick announcement mode, perform a BLE connection with said vehicle following a distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of said vehicle. [Fig. 1],

Description

Title of the invention: Hands-free access and automatic start identifier for vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a hands-free access and automatic start identifier for a vehicle. It also relates to a method for communicating a hands-free access and automatic start identifier for a vehicle with a vehicle for its location relative to said vehicle. It also relates to a hands-free access and automatic start system for a vehicle. It also relates to a method for locating a hands-free access and automatic start identifier for a vehicle relative to a vehicle. The invention finds a particular but non-limiting application in the field of motor vehicles.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, a hands-free access and automatic start identifier for a vehicle comprises, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, a first Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication module (referenced by the acronym BLE) comprising an electronic control unit and an application layer, said electronic control unit being configured to: - emit events according to a BLE communication protocol, - receive a scanning request from said vehicle, - sending a return response to said vehicle, said return response comprising first information, - make a BLE connection with said vehicle following distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements, said application layer being configured to position said hands-free identifier in an announcement mode and configure a time interval between the emission of two consecutive events.

[0003] A disadvantage of this prior art is that the hands-free identifier includes a battery whose autonomy must be approximately 2 years according to the manufacturers' requests. If the time interval between the emission of two consecutive events is configured with a low value (of the order of 50 milliseconds), the BLE connection is made quickly but at the expense of energy consumption which will drastically reduce the battery autonomy. Furthermore, if the time interval between the emission of two consecutive events is configured with a high value (of the order of 3 to 4 seconds), the BLE connection will be too late to subsequently carry out, for example, a reliable Ultra Wide Band distance measurement, a such Ultra Wide Band distance measurement being useful for automatically opening vehicle doors.

[0004] In this context, the present invention aims to propose a hands-free identifier which proposes to solve the mentioned drawback.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention proposes a hands-free identifier for access and automatic start for a vehicle, said hands-free identifier comprising a first BLE communication module comprising a first electronic control unit and an application layer, a) said first electronic control unit being configured to: - emit events according to a BLE communication protocol, - receive a scan request from said vehicle, - send a return response to said vehicle, said return response comprising first information, b) said application layer being configured to position said hands-free identifier in an announcement mode and to configure a time interval between the emission of two consecutive events for said announcement mode, characterized in that said application layer is further configured to position said hands-free identifier in a slow announcement mode or in a fast announcement mode,and in that said first electronic control unit is further configured to transmit to said application layer confirmation information of receipt of said scanning request from the vehicle to which said hands-free identifier is paired, and in that said application layer is further configured to, upon receipt of said confirmation information, modify said time interval between the emission of two consecutive events emitted to position said hands-free identifier in the quick announcement mode, and in that said first electronic control unit is further configured to, after positioning the hands-free identifier in the quick announcement mode, make a BLE connection with said vehicle following a distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of said vehicle.

[0006] Thus, as will be seen in detail below, the invention makes it possible to find a good compromise to obtain a fast BLE connection while having a measured consumption of the battery of the hands-free identifier. Indeed, the hands-free identifier is positioned in a fast announcement mode only when necessary.

[0007] According to non-limiting embodiments, said hands-free identifier may further comprise one or more additional characteristics taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

[0008] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said application layer is further configured to initially position said hands-free identifier in the slow announcement mode.

[0009] According to a non-limiting embodiment, after its positioning in the rapid announcement mode, said first electronic control unit is configured to emit two consecutive events according to the time interval relating to said rapid announcement mode.

[0010] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said fast announcement mode is a mode for which said time interval is less than that of said slow announcement mode.

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said time interval is between three and four seconds for said slow announcement mode.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said time interval is between 25 milliseconds and 200 milliseconds for said rapid announcement mode. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, it is approximately 50 milliseconds.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first information comprises a complete identifier of said hands-free identifier.

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the BLE connection is initiated by the vehicle which sends a connection request.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, after positioning in the rapid announcement mode, said first electronic control unit is further configured to carry out one or more RSSI measurements from said scanning request.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said return response further comprises said one or more RSSI measurements carried out by said first electronic control unit.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first information further comprises said one or more RSSI measurements.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said hands-free identifier further comprises a second UWB communication module configured to, following the BLE connection with said vehicle: - receiving UWB signals from said vehicle for UWB distance measurement from said hands-free identifier, and - transmit back UWB return signals for said UWB distance measurement.

[0019] There is further provided a method for communicating a hands-free vehicle access and auto-start identifier with a vehicle for its location relative to said vehicle, said hands-free identifier comprising a first BLE communication module, said first BLE communication module comprising a first electronic control unit and an application layer, characterized in that said communication method comprises: - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic event control unit according to a BLE communication protocol when said hands-free identifier is positioned in a slow announcement mode, - reception by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit of a scanning request issued by said vehicle, - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit of a return response, said return response comprising first information, - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit to said application layer of information confirming receipt of said scanning request, and a reception by said application layer of said confirmation information, - upon receipt of said confirmation information, a modification by said hands-free identifier via said application layer of a time interval between each event emitted to position said hands-free identifier in a rapid announcement mode, - after positioning said hands-free identifier in the quick announcement mode, an establishment by said hands-free identifier of a BLE connection with said vehicle following distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of said vehicle.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said communication method further comprises following the BLE connection of said hands-free identifier with said vehicle: - a reception by said hands-free identifier via a second UWB communication module of UWB signals emitted by the vehicle for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier relative to said vehicle, and - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said second UWB communication module of UWB return signals for said UWB distance measurement.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the communication method comprises an initial step of positioning by said application layer said hands-free identifier in a slow announcement mode.

[0022] There is further provided a hands-free access and automatic starting system for a vehicle, characterized in that said hands-free system comprises: a) a hands-free identifier according to any one of the preceding characterizations, and b) a third BLE communication module of said vehicle configured to: - scanning events emitted by said hands-free identifier according to a BLE communication protocol, - sending a scanning request, - receiving from said hands-free identifier a return response comprising first information, - after positioning the hands-free identifier in said quick announcement mode: (i) scanning events emitted by said hands-free identifier, and (ii) performing one or more RSSI measurements from said events, and (ii) performing a BLE connection with said hands-free identifier following distance estimation via said one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of said vehicle.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said hands-free system further comprises a fourth UWB communication module of said vehicle configured to, following the BLE connection of said vehicle with said hands-free identifier: - transmit UWB signals for UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier, and - receiving from said hands-free identifier UWB return signals for said UWB distance measurement.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said fourth electronic control unit of the fourth UWB communication module is further configured to calculate said UWB distance of the hands-free identifier relative to the vehicle.

[0025] There is further provided a method for locating a hands-free vehicle access and auto-start identifier relative to a vehicle, said hands-free identifier comprising a first BLE communication module, said first BLE communication module comprising a first electronic control unit and an application layer, said vehicle comprising a third BLE communication module, characterized in that said locating method comprises: - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit of events according to a BLE communication protocol when said hands-free identifier is positioned in a slow announcement mode, and a scan by said vehicle via said third BLE communication module of said events, - a transmission by said vehicle via said third BLE communication module of a scan request,and a reception by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit of said scanning request, - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit of a return response, said return response comprising , first information, and a reception by said vehicle via said third BLE communication module of said return response, - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said first electronic control unit to said application layer of information confirming receipt of said scanning request, and a reception by said application layer of said confirmation information, - upon receipt of said confirmation information, a modification by said hands-free identifier via said application layer of said time interval between each event emitted to position said hands-free identifier in a rapid announcement mode, - after positioning said hands-free identifier in the quick announcement mode, an establishment by said hands-free identifier of a BLE connection with said vehicle following distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of said vehicle.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the location method further comprises, following the BLE connection of said hands-free identifier with said vehicle: - a transmission by said vehicle via a fourth UWB communication module of UWB signals for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier relative to said vehicle, and - reception by said hands-free identifier via a second UWB communication module of said UWB signals, and - a transmission by said hands-free identifier via said second UWB communication module of UWB return signals for said UWB distance measurement, and - reception by said vehicle via said fourth UWB communication module of said UWB return signals, and - a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier relative to said vehicle from said UWB signals and said UWB return signals.

[0027] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the localization method comprises an initial step of positioning by said application layer said hands-free identifier in a slow announcement mode.

[0028] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0029] [Fig.l] is a schematic figure of a hands-free identifier according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, said hands-free identifier comprising a first BLE communication module, said first BLE communication module comprising a first electronic control unit and an application layer,

[0030] [Fig.2] is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a method of communicating a hands-free vehicle access and auto-start identifier with said vehicle, said communication method being implemented by the hands-free identifier of [Fig.l],

[0031] [Fig.3] is a figure of a hands-free access and automatic start system for a vehicle, a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, said hands-free system comprising said hands-free identifier of [Fig.l] and a third BLE communication module forming part of said vehicle,

[0032] [Fig.4] is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a method for locating a hands-free vehicle access and auto-start identifier relative to said vehicle, said locating method being implemented by said hands-free system of [Fig.3].

[0033] Identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0034] The hands-free identifier Id for access and automatic start for vehicle V according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle V (illustrated in [Fig.3]) is a motor vehicle. By motor vehicle, we mean any type of motorized vehicle, whether it is a vehicle with a thermal engine, an electric motor or even a hybrid. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, the vehicle V is thus otherwise called a motor vehicle V.

[0035] The hands-free identifier Id allows automatic access and starting of the motor vehicle V without the user having to take the identifier Id out of his bag or pocket, for example. This function is known to those skilled in the art under the acronym PEPS for “Passive Entry Passive Start” in English.

[0036] Conventionally, the hands-free identifier Id is configured to be in an ADV announcement mode, otherwise called ADV broadcast mode and “Advertising Mode” in English, or in an SCN scanning mode otherwise called listening mode and “Scanning Mode” in English. In ADV announcement mode, the hands-free identifier Id can transmit ADV_ev events periodically on communication channels. In SCN scanning mode, the hands-free identifier Id can scan events (not shown) of the motor vehicle V. For this purpose, it periodically scans the communication channels.

[0037] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the hands-free identifier Id comprises: - a first BlueTooth Low Energy™ communication module, otherwise called the first BLE communication module in the remainder of the description and referenced M_BLE1 in [Fig.l],

[0038] In a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free identifier Id further comprises: - a second Ultra Wide Band communication module, otherwise called second UWB communication module in the remainder of the description and referenced M_UWB1 in [Fig.l].

[0039] The hands-free identifier Id further comprises a battery B (illustrated in [Fig.l]) configured in particular to power the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 and the second UWB communication module M_UWB1. In a non-limiting example, the battery is a button cell.

[0040] The elements of the hands-free identifier Id are described in detail below.

[0041] The first BLE communication module M_BLE1 comprises a first electronic control unit Ecul and an application layer App.

[0042] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the first electronic control unit Ecul is configured to transmit ADV_ev events according to a BLE communication protocol (illustrated function fl0(Ecul, ADV_ev) in [Fig.l]) when it is positioned in an ADV announcement mode. It is recalled that the BLE communication protocol uses three communication channels and that it uses the 2.4GHz ISM frequency band as the BLE frequency band. It will be noted that an ADV_ev event comprises a plurality of frames which are sent on the three communication channels. The frames transmitted according to the BLE communication protocol being known to those skilled in the art, they are not described here.

[0043] It will be noted that initially, the hands-free identifier Id is positioned in an announcement mode ADV and more particularly in a slow announcement mode ADV.l. A time interval Int between the transmission of two consecutive events ADV_ev is associated with this slow announcement mode ADV.L. In a non-limiting embodiment, this time interval Int is between 3 and 4 seconds. This makes it possible to save the energy of the battery B of the hands-free identifier Id.

[0044] The first electronic control unit Ecul is further configured to receive a scan request SC_Rq from said motor vehicle V according to the BLE communication protocol (function illustrated fll(Ecul, V, SC_Rq) in [Fig.l]). The scan request SC_Rq is called in English "Scan Request". The scan request SC_Rq is received when the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range, namely at a first distance dl around the motor vehicle V. The first distance dl, called BLE distance, can be up to 100 meters. The scan request SC_Rq is received when the hands-free identifier Id is in the slow announcement mode ADV.L

[0045] The first electronic control unit Ecul is further configured to send a return response SC_Rs to said motor vehicle V according to the protocol of BLE communication, said return response SC_Rs comprising first information il (illustrated function fl2(Ecul, V, SC_Rs(il)) in [Fig.l]). The return response SC_Rs is called in English “Scan Response”.

[0046] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first information 11 comprises a complete identifier of said hands-free identifier Id and information such as, in non-limiting examples, the name of the manufacturer of the hands-free identifier Id, a battery level. In a non-limiting embodiment, the return response SC_Rs may also comprise an RSSI measurement carried out by said hands-free identifier Id from the scanning request SC_Rq transmitted by the motor vehicle V, in particular by said first electronic control unit Ecul. Thus, the first information 11 may comprise this RSSI measurement.

[0047] The first electronic control unit Ecul is further configured to transmit to the application layer App confirmation information i2 of receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq (function illustrated fl3(Ecul, App, i2) in [Fig.l]) to which said hands-free identifier Id is paired. This will allow the application layer App to position the hands-free identifier Id in a rapid announcement mode ADV.2 subsequently. It will be noted that the identification of a vehicle to which a hands-free identifier is paired being known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here.

[0048] After positioning the hands-free identifier Id in the quick announcement mode ADV.2, the first electronic control unit Ecul is further configured to make a BLE connection referenced Cnx_BLE, with said motor vehicle V following a distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements ("Received Signal Strength Indicator" in English) indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V (function illustrated fl4(Ecul, V, Cnx_BLE) in [Fig.l]). Thus, according to the RSSI measurement(s), the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range, a BLE connection can be made. Since an RSSI measurement is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here.

[0049] An RSSI measurement is made when the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the vehicle and makes it possible to estimate the distance between the hands-free identifier Id and the motor vehicle V. One or more RSSI measurements are made by the motor vehicle V.

[0050] Within the BLE range, the hands-free identifier Id and the motor vehicle V can make a BLE connection. The BLE connection allows for UWB communication to make a UWB distance measurement which is more accurate than a distance estimation via the RSSI measurement(s). Without a BLE connection, there can be no UWB communication.

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment, one or more RSSI measurements are also carried out by the hands-free identifier Id. In this case, the first information 11 also comprises this or these RSSI measurements carried out by the hands-free identifier Id. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, after positioning in the rapid announcement mode ADV.2, the first electronic control unit Ecul is further configured to carry out one or more RSSI measurements (function illustrated fl5(Ecul, RSSI) in [Fig. 1]). The RSSI measurement is carried out from the scanning request SC_Rq. The fact of carrying out an RSSI measurement by the hands-free identifier Id and one by the motor vehicle V makes it possible to overcome radiofrequency communication problems which may occur in one direction of communication or in the other.

[0052] To perform these functions fl0 to fl5, the first electronic control unit Ecul is coupled to one or more BlueTooth Low Energy™ transmission / reception antennas referenced TxRxl in [Fig.l] which are part of the first communication module BLEM_BLE1.

[0053] The application layer App of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 is configured to position said hands-free identifier Id in an ADV announcement mode (illustrated function fl6(App, Id, ADV(ADV.l, ADV.2)) in [Fig.l]). In a non-limiting embodiment, the ADV announcement mode is a slow announcement mode ADV.l or a fast announcement mode ADV.2. Initially, the ADV announcement mode of the hands-free identifier Id is the slow announcement mode ADV.L. Thus, said application layer App is configured to initially position said hands-free identifier Id in the slow announcement mode ADV.L. It will be noted that while the hands-free identifier Id is in an ADV announcement mode, the motor vehicle V is itself in the SCN scanning mode. This allows it to scan ADV_ev events emitted by the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 of the hands-free identifier Id.

[0054] The application layer App is further configured to configure a time interval Int between the emission of two consecutive events ADV_ev for said ADV announcement mode (function illustrated fl7(App, Int) in [Fig.l]). Thus, it can configure a time interval Int for the slow announcement mode ADV.l and a time interval Int for the fast announcement mode ADV.2. The fast announcement mode ADV.2 is a mode for which the time interval Int between the emission of two consecutive events ADV_ev is less than that of the slow announcement mode ADV.L. In a non-limiting embodiment, this time interval Int is between 25 ms (milliseconds) and 200 ms for the fast announcement mode ADV.2. In a non-limiting example, it is approximately 50 milliseconds. Thus, we decrease the time interval Int for the emission of two consecutive events ADV_ev compared to the slow announcement mode ADV.l.

[0055] The application layer App is further configured to receive from said electronic control unit Ecul the confirmation information i2 described previously (function illustrated fl8(App, Ecul, i2) in [Fig.l]).

[0056] Upon receipt of this confirmation information 11, the application layer App is further configured to modify the time interval Int between two consecutive events transmitted ADV_e so as to position said hands-free identifier Id in the fast announcement mode ADV.2 (function illustrated fl9(App, Int, ADV.2) in [Fig.l]). This allows the motor vehicle V to receive more ADV_ev events and therefore more frames (in other words samples) more quickly, and thus to perform an RSSI measurement on its side more quickly from more ADV_ev events (than if they had been transmitted in the slow announcement mode ADV.l). Thus, by increasing the samples, and therefore the sampling rate, the estimation of the distance of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V will be done more quickly.It should be noted that the distance estimation is made from the RSSI measurement(s) made by the motor vehicle V and, where applicable, from the measurement(s) made by the hands-free identifier Id. The RSSI measurement(s) made by the motor vehicle V are made from the ADV_ev events. Also, increasing the sampling rate makes it possible to increase the possible number of RSSI measurements made by the motor vehicle V. Thus, the estimation of the distance of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V will be more reliable since it is based on more RSSI measurements.

[0057] The second UWB communication module M_UWB 1 is configured to, following the BLE connection with said motor vehicle V, receive UWB signals referenced s_UWB from said motor vehicle V for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier Id relative to said motor vehicle V (illustrated function f20(Ecu2, s_UWB) in [Fig.l]). The UWB signals are received when the hands-free identifier Id is within a UWB range relative to the motor vehicle V. The UWB range is less than 10 meters. The UWB distance is a second distance d2. It is thus measured when the hands-free identifier Id is within the UWB range relative to the motor vehicle V, namely at a distance less than 10 meters around the motor vehicle V.

[0058] Upon receiving a UWB signal s_UWB, the second UWB communication module M_UWB 1 is further configured to return a UWB return signal s'_UWB (illustrated function f21(M_UWBl, s'_UWB)

[0059] The UWB distance measurement is made by the motor vehicle V and is based on a calculation of the time difference between the emitted UWB signal s_UWB and a signal UWB return s_UWB' returned. This gives an accurate measurement of the second distance d2 of the hands-free identifier Id from the motor vehicle V when it is within UWB range.

[0060] When the hands-free identifier Id is at the UWB distance, in this case, access to the motor vehicle V can be authorized. Thus, the doors of the motor vehicle V can be unlocked in a non-limiting example. Since a UWB distance measurement is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here.

[0061] To perform these functions f20 and f21, the second UWB communication module M_UWB 1 comprises a second electronic control unit Ecu2 coupled to one or more Ultra Wide Band transmitting / receiving antennas referenced TxRx2 in [Fig.l] which are part of the second UWB communication module M_UWB1.

[0062] Thus, the hands-free identifier Id makes it possible to implement a communication method Prol with said vehicle V for its location relative to said vehicle V, said communication method Prol being illustrated in [Fig.2]. The communication method Prol comprises the following steps.

[0063] The communication method Prol comprises an initial step E0 illustrated F0(App, Id, ADV.l) in [Fig.2] of positioning by the application layer App of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 the hands-free identifier Id in the slow announcement mode ADV.L

[0064] In a step El illustrated Fl(Id(M_BLEl), ADV_ev, ADV.l), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecul) the events ADV_ev according to the BLE communication protocol. It does this when it is in the slow announcement mode ADV.L

[0065] In a step E2' illustrated F2'(Id(M_BLEl), SC_Rq) said hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE2 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecul) receives a scanning request SC_Rq sent by the motor vehicle V.

[0066] On receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, in a step E3 illustrated F3(Id(M_BLEl), SC_Rs(il, RSSI)), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecul) the return response SC_Rs, said return response SC_Rs comprising the first information il.

[0067] In a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free identifier Id further performs one or more RSSI measurements and returns the value of this RSSI measurement(s) in the return response SC_Rs. This RSSI measurement(s) is subsequently used by the motor vehicle V with its own RSSI measurement(s) to estimate the first distance dl of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V.

[0068] It will be noted that the first electronic control unit Ecul can receive the scanning request SC_Rq only when the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V. By receiving this scanning request SC_Rq, the first electronic control unit Ecul is thus sure to be within the BLE range and can then perform the next step to trigger the rapid announcement mode ADV.2.

[0069] It will be noted that the reception of the scanning request SC_Rq by the hands-free identifier Id amounts to detecting the presence of the motor vehicle V since the hands-free identifier Id recognizes the scanning request SC_Rq coming from the motor vehicle V thanks to a specific address found in this scanning request SC_Rq.

[0070] In a step E4 illustrated F4(Ecul, App, i2)), the first electronic control unit Ecul of the hands-free identifier Id transmits to the application layer App the confirmation information i2 of receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, and this confirmation information i2 is received by said application layer App (step E4' illustrated F4'(App, Ecul, i2)).

[0071] In a step E5 illustrated F5(App, Int, ADV.2)), upon receipt of this confirmation information i2, the application layer App modifies the time interval Int between each event emitted ADV_e so as to position said hands-free identifier Id in a rapid announcement mode ADV.2. The time interval Int is thus a transmission interval between two consecutive events emitted ADV_e.

[0072] In a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free identifier Id is positioned in the rapid announcement mode ADV.2 for a predetermined time t1. In a non-limiting example, this time is approximately 10 seconds.

[0073] In a step E6 illustrated F6(Id(M_BLEl), ADV_ev, ADV.2), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecul) the events ADV_ev according to the BLE communication protocol. This time, it does so according to the fast announcement mode ADV.2. Thus, it transmits two consecutive events ADV_ev according to the time interval Int relating to said fast announcement mode ADV.2, which is less than that of the slow announcement mode ADV.l.

[0074] When a distance estimation dl (via one or more RSSI measurements) indicates that the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V, in a step E7 illustrated F7(Id(M_BLEl), V(M_BLE2), RSSI(dl) Cnx_BLE), the hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 makes a BLE connection with the motor vehicle V.

[0075] It will be noted that it is the motor vehicle V which in this case connects the hands-free identifier Id. It initiates the connection by issuing a connection request (not illustrated and called in English "Connect Request") to the hands-free identifier Id. Note that in its initial configuration, the hands-free identifier Id can be in a connectable (and scannable) mode or in a scannable-only (and non-connectable) mode. In connectable mode, at any time, any vehicle can try to connect to it. In scannable-only (i.e. non-connectable) mode, the hands-free identifier Id switches to connectable mode only when it receives a scan request SC_Rq from its vehicle, i.e. from the motor vehicle V to which it is paired. In scannable-only mode, the consumption of the hands-free identifier Id is lower than in connectable mode, because the hands-free identifier Id is not subject to illegitimate connections, i.e. from vehicles to which it is not paired.

[0076] Following the BLE connection, in a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free identifier Id via its second UWB communication module M_UWB 1 receives UWB signals s_UWB emitted by the motor vehicle V according to a UWB communication protocol for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V (step E8' illustrated F8'(Id(M_UWBl), s_UWB)).

[0077] In a step E9, the hands-free identifier Id via its second UWB communication module M_UWB1 emits in return UWB return signals s_UWB' for the UWB distance measurement (step E9 illustrated F9(Id(M_UWBl), s_UWB'))

[0078] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the hands-free identifier Id is part of a hands-free access system Sys which also comprises a third BLE communication module referenced M_BLE2 and belonging to the motor vehicle V.

[0079] In a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free access system Sys further comprises a fourth UWB communication module referenced M_UWB2 which is part of the motor vehicle V.

[0080] The motor vehicle V is initially positioned by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle V in a SCN scanning mode to receive the ADV_ev events.

[0081] When the hands-free identifier Id is in the slow announcement mode ADV.l, the third BLE communication module M_BLE2 is configured to: - scan the ADV_ev events emitted by said hands-free identifier Id according to the BLE communication protocol (function illustrated f31(Ecu3, ADV_ev, ADV.l) in [Fig.3]), - send the scan request SC_Rq (function illustrated f32(Ecu3, Id, SC_Rq) in [Fig.3]) according to the BLE communication protocol, - receive from said hands-free identifier Id the return response SC_Rs emitted by the hands-free identifier Id according to the BLE communication protocol (function illustrated f33(Ecu3, Id, SC_Rs(il)) in [Fig.3]).

[0082] After positioning the hands-free identifier Id in said quick announcement mode ADV.2, - scan ADV_ev events emitted by the hands-free identifier Id during the ADV.2 quick announcement mode (function illustrated f34(Ecu3, ADV_ev, ADV.2) in [Fig.3]), - carry out one or more RSSI measurements from said ADV_ev events set by the hands-free identifier Id when it is in the ADV.2 fast announcement mode (function illustrated f35(Ecu3, RSSI) in [Fig.3]), - performing the BLE connection with said hands-free identifier Id following the distance estimation dl via the RSSI measurement(s) indicating that said hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of said vehicle V (function illustrated f36(Ecu3, Id, RSSI(dl) Cnx_BLE) in [Fig.3]).

[0083] To perform these functions f31 to f36, the third BLE communication module M_BLE2 comprises a third electronic control unit Ecu3 coupled to one or more BlueTooth Low Energy™ transmitting / receiving antennas referenced TxRx3 in [Fig.3].

[0084] The fourth UWB communication module M_UW2 is configured to: - emit UWB signals s_UWB for UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier Id (illustrated function f37(Ecu4, s_UWB) in [Fig.3]), - receive UWB return signals s_UWb' emitted by the hands-free identifier Id for said UWB distance measurement ((illustrated function f38(Ecu4, s_UWB') in [Fig.3]). The fourth UWB communication module M_UW2 is further configured to perform the calculation of the second distance d2 of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V from the UWB signals s_UWB and the UWB return signals s_UWB' (illustrated function f39(Ecu4, d2) in [Fig.3]).

[0085] To perform these functions f37 to f39, the fourth UWB communication module M_UW2 comprises a fourth electronic control unit Ecu4 coupled to one or more Ultra Wide Band transmitting / receiving antennas referenced TxRx4 in [Fig.3],

[0086] The hands-free system Sys thus described makes it possible to implement a method of locating Pro2 a hands-free identifier Id for access and automatic starting in relation to a motor vehicle V, said method of locating Pro2 being illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0087] To simplify the description of the Pro2 localization method, in the various steps that follow, we will talk about the first electronic control unit Ecul and the App application to differentiate these two elements which are part of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1. For the rest of the modules communication, only the terms second UWB communication module M_UWB2, third BLE communication module M_BLE2, and fourth UWB communication module M_UWB2 will be used, it being understood that these terms can be replaced respectively by second electronic control unit Ecu2 of the second UWB communication module M_UWB2, third electronic control unit Ecu3 of the third BLE communication module M_BLE2, and fourth electronic control unit Ecu4 of the fourth UWB communication module M_UWB2. It will be noted that the location method Pro2 repeats the steps of the communication method Prol described previously implemented by the hands-free identifier Id to which are added steps executed on the motor vehicle V side.

[0088] The localization method Pro2 comprises an initial step E0 illustrated F0(App, Id, ADV.l) in [Fig.4] of positioning by the application layer App of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 the hands-free identifier Id in the slow announcement mode ADV.L

[0089] In a step El illustrated Fl(Id(M_BLEl), ADV_ev, ADV.l), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE2 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecul) the ADV_ev events according to the BLE communication protocol and according to the slow announcement mode ADV.l, the latter being scanned by the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 of the motor vehicle V (step El' illustrated F1'(V(M_BLE2), ADV_ev). It will be noted that between each transmission of an ADV_ev event, the hands-free identifier Id goes into SCN listening mode to know if a scanning request SC_Rq is sent to it by the motor vehicle V.

[0090] In a step E2 illustrated F2(V(M_BLE2), SC_Rq), the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 transmits the scanning request SC_Rq, and the latter is received by said hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecul) (step E2' illustrated F2'(Id(M_BLEl), SC_Rq)).

[0091] On receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, in a step E3 illustrated F3(Id(M_BLEl), SC_Rs(il, RSSI)), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecul) transmits the return response SC_Rs, said return response SC_Rs comprising the first information il, and the latter is received by the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 (step E3' illustrated F3'(V(M_BLE2), SC_Rs(il, RSSI)).

[0092] In a step E4 illustrated F4(Ecul, App, i2)), the first electronic control unit Ecul of the hands-free identifier Id transmits to the application layer App the confirmation information i2 of receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, and this confirmation information i2 is received by said application layer App (step E4' illustrated F4'(App, Ecul, i2)).

[0093] In a step E5 illustrated F5(App, Int, ADV.2)), upon receipt of this confirmation information i2, the application layer App modifies the time interval Int between each event sent ADV_e so as to position said hands-free identifier Id in the rapid announcement mode ADV.2.

[0094] Thus, as soon as the hands-free identifier Id detects the motor vehicle V via its scanning request SC_Rq, it switches to the fast announcement mode ADV.2. It thus sends the ADV_ev events more quickly.

[0095] Thus, in a step E6 illustrated F6(Id(M_BLEl), ADV_ev, ADV.2), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecul) the events ADV_ev according to the BLE communication protocol. This time it does so according to the fast announcement mode ADV.2.

[0096] In a step E6' illustrated F6'(V(M_BLE2), ADV_ev, ADV.2), the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 (in particular via its second electronic control unit Ecu2) scans the ADV_ev events.

[0097] The motor vehicle V can then carry out an RSSI measurement on its side based on the frames received in the ADV_ev events more quickly and thus estimate the first distance dl of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V on its RSSI measurement and, where appropriate, also on that of the hands-free identifier Id (which it will have received via the return response SC_Rs) and thus confirm that the hands-free identifier Id is close enough to it to make a BLE connection and then, where appropriate, to make a UWB connection. The RSSI measurement is more precise because it is based on a larger number of samples; this distance estimation dl is thus more reliable.

[0098] When the distance estimation dl indicates that the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V, in a step E7 illustrated F7(Id(M_BLEl), V(M_BLE2), RSSI(dl), Cnx_BLE), the hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 makes a BLE connection with the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2.

[0099] Following the BLE connection with said motor vehicle V, in a non-limiting embodiment, in a step E8 illustrated F8(V(M_UWB2), s_UWB)), the motor vehicle V via its fourth UWB communication module M_UWB2 emits UWB signals s_UWB for a UWB distance measurement of said identifier hands-free Id, UWB signals s_UWB which are received by the hands-free identifier Id via its second UWB communication module M_UWB1 (step E8' illustrated F8'(Id(M_UWBl), s_UWB)). Note that without a BLE connection, UWB signals cannot be sent.

[0100] In a step E9 illustrated F9(Id(M_UWBl), s_UWB')), the hands-free identifier Id via its second UWB communication module M_UWB 1 emits UWB return signals s_UWB' for the UWB distance measurement, UWB return signals s_UWB' which are received by the motor vehicle V via its fourth UWB communication module M_UWB2 (step E9' illustrated F9'(V(M_UWB1), s_UWB')).

[0101] In a step E10 illustrated F10(d2)), in a non-limiting embodiment, the UWB distance measurement is carried out. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the UWB distance measurement is carried out by the motor vehicle V, in particular via its fourth UWB module M_UWB2.

[0102] If the UWB distance measurement indicates that the hands-free identifier Id is within the UWB range, namely at a second distance d2 less than 10 meters, then the motor vehicle V can perform the following operations in non-limiting examples: - automatic opening of the doors, or - automatic opening of the tailgate or trunk.

[0103] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the field described above.

[0104] Thus, the invention described presents in particular the following advantages: - it allows the hands-free identifier Id which is in the slow announcement mode ADV.l to detect that it is within the BLE range of the vehicle V and thus to modify its announcement mode to fast announcement mode ADV.2, - it allows the distance estimation to be triggered more quickly by the vehicle V via one or more RSSI measurements, by increasing the sampling rate (i.e. by increasing the number of ADV_ev events emitted and therefore frames emitted by the hands-free identifier Id), - it allows a BLE connection to be made more quickly to thus carry out a UWB measurement more quickly for localization, - it avoids trying to make BLE connections while the hands-free identifier Id is not yet within BLE range relative to the vehicle V. Therefore, it avoids unnecessary consumption of battery B energy of the hands-free identifier Id, - in the same way, it avoids over-consuming the energy of the battery B of the hands-free identifier Id by avoiding maintaining the hands-free identifier Id always in a fast ADV.2 announcement mode to obtain accurate RSSI measurements, - it allows the hands-free identifier Id to be informed that it is within the BLE range of the vehicle V and thus lets it know that its ADV_e events have been scanned by the vehicle V to which it is paired.

Claims

1. Claims Hands-free identifier (Id) for access and automatic start for vehicle (V), said hands-free identifier (Id) comprising a first BLE communication module (M_BLE1) comprising a first electronic control unit (Ecul) and an application layer (App), a) said first electronic control unit (Ecul) being configured to: - emit events (ADV_ev) according to a BLE communication protocol, - receive a scan request (SC_Rq) from said vehicle (V), - send a return response (SC_Rs) to said vehicle (V), said return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (il), b) said application layer (App) being configured to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in an announcement mode (ADV) and to configure a time interval (Int) between the emission of two consecutive events (ADV_ev) for said announcement mode (ADV), characterized in that said application layer (App) is further configured to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in a slow announcement mode (ADV.l) or in a fast announcement mode (ADV.2), and in that said first electronic control unit (Ecul) is further configured to transmit to said application layer (App) confirmation information (i2) of receipt of said scanning request (SC_Rq) from the vehicle (V) to which said hands-free identifier (Id) is paired, and in that said application layer (App) is further configured to, upon receipt of said confirmation information (i2), modify said time interval (Int) between the transmission of two consecutive transmitted events (ADV_e) to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in the rapid announcement mode (ADV.2), and in that said first electronic control unit (Ecul) is further configured to, after positioning the hands-free identifier (Id) in the quick announcement mode (ADV.2), make a BLE connection with said vehicle (V) following an estimation distance via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V).

2. Hands-free identifier (Id) according to claim 1, wherein said application layer (App) is further configured to initially position said hands-free identifier (Id) in the slow announcement mode (ADV.l).

3. A hands-free identifier (Id) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fast announcement mode (ADV.2) is a mode for which said time interval (Int) is less than that of said slow announcement mode (ADV.l).

4. Hands-free identifier (Id) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which after positioning in the quick announcement mode (ADV.2), said first electronic control unit (Ecul) is further configured to carry out one or more RSSI measurements from said scan request (SC_Rq).

5. Hands-free identifier (Id) according to claim 3 and claim 4, wherein said first information (il) further comprises said one or more RSSI measurements.

6. Hands-free identifier (Id) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hands-free identifier (Id) further comprises a second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) configured to, following the BLE connection with said vehicle (V): - receive UWB signals (s_UWB) from said vehicle (V) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id), and - transmit in return UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement.

7. Method of communicating (Prol) a hands-free identifier (Id) for access and automatic start for a vehicle (V) with a vehicle (V) for its location relative to said vehicle (V), said hands-free identifier (Id) comprising a first BLE communication module (M_BLE1), said first BLE communication module (M_BLE1) comprising a first electronic control unit (Ecul) and an application layer (App), characterized in that said communication method (Prol) comprises:

8. - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) of events (ADV_ev) according to a BLE communication protocol when said hands-free identifier (Id) is positioned in a slow announcement mode (ADV.l), - reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) of a scanning request (SC_Rq) sent by said vehicle (V), - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) of a return response (SC_Rs), said return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (il), - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) to said application layer (App) of confirmation information (i2) of receipt of said scanning request (SC_Rq), and a reception by said application layer (App) of said confirmation information (i2), and - upon receipt of said confirmation information (i2), a modification by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said application layer (App) of a time interval (Int) between each emitted event (ADV_e) to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in a rapid announcement mode (ADV.2), - after positioning said hands-free identifier (Id) in the quick announcement mode (ADV.2), an establishment by said hands-free identifier (Id) of a BLE connection with said vehicle (V) following distance estimation (dl) via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V). Communication method (Prol) according to the preceding claim, according to which said communication method (Prol) further comprises following the BLE connection of said hands-free identifier (Id) with said vehicle (V): - reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via a second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of UWB signals (s_UWB) emitted by the vehicle (V) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id) relative to said vehicle (V), - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement.

9. Hands-free system (Sys) for automatic access and starting for a vehicle (V), characterized in that said hands-free system (Sys) comprises: a) a hands-free identifier (Id) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, and b) a third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of said vehicle (V) configured to: - scan events (ADV_ev) emitted by said hands-free identifier (Id) according to a BLE communication protocol, - send a scan request (SC_Rq), - receive from said hands-free identifier (Id) a return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (il), - after positioning the hands-free identifier (Id) in said quick announcement mode (ADV.2): (i) scanning events (ADV_ev) emitted by said hands-free identifier (Id), and (ii) performing one or more RSSI measurements from said events (ADV_ev), and (ii) performing a BLE connection with said hands-free identifier (Id) following the distance estimation (dl) via said one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V).

10. Hands-free system (Sys) for access and automatic starting for vehicle (V) according to the preceding claim, according to which said hands-free system (Sys) further comprises a fourth UWB communication module (M_UWB2) of said vehicle (V) configured to, following the BLE connection of said vehicle (V) with said hands-free identifier (Id): - transmit UWB signals (s_UWB) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id), and - receive from said hands-free identifier (Id) UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement.

11. Method for locating (Pro2) a hands-free identifier (Id) for access and automatic start for a vehicle (V) relative to a vehicle (V), said hands-free identifier (Id) comprising a first BLE communication module (M_BLE1), said first BLE communication module (M_BLE1) comprising a first electronic control unit (Ecul) and an application layer (App), said vehicle (V) comprising a third BLE communication module (M_BLE2), characterized in that said location method (Pro2) comprises: - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) of events (ADV_ev) according to a BLE communication protocol when said hands-free identifier (Id) is positioned in a slow announcement mode (ADV.l), and a scan by said vehicle (V) via said third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of said events (ADV_ev), - a transmission by said vehicle (V) via said third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of a scanning request (SC_Rq), and a reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) of said scanning request (SC_Rq), - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) of a return response (SC_Rs), said return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (il), and a reception by said vehicle (V) via said third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of said return response (SC_Rs), - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecul) to said application layer (App) of confirmation information (i2) of receipt of said scanning request (SC_Rq), and a reception by said application layer (App) of said confirmation information (i2), - upon receipt of said confirmation information (i2), a modification by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said application layer (App) of said time interval (Int) between each event emitted (ADV_e) to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in a rapid announcement mode (ADV.2), - after positioning said hands-free identifier (Id) in the quick announcement mode (ADV.2), an establishment by said hands-free identifier (Id) of a BLE connection with said vehicle (V) following with distance estimation (dl) via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V).

12. Localization method (Pro2) according to the preceding claim, according to which said localization method (Pro2) further comprises, following the BLE connection of said hands-free identifier (Id) with said vehicle (V): - a transmission by said vehicle (V) via a fourth UWB communication module (M_UWB2) of UWB signals (s_UWB) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id) relative to said vehicle (V), and - a reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via a second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of said UWB signals (s_UWB), and - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement, and - a reception by said vehicle (V) via said fourth UWB communication module (M_UWB2) of said UWB return signals (s_UWB'),and - a UWB distance measurement (d2) of said hands-free identifier (Id) relative to said vehicle (V) from said UWB signals (s_UWB) and said UWB return signals (s_UWB').,

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