METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A VEHICLE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a programming method (Pr1) for a vehicle tire pressure sensor (1), said programming method (Pr1) comprising: – transmission to said pressure sensor (1) of an initial activation radio frequency signal (s1), characterized in that said programming method (Pr1) further comprises: – following the transmission of said initial activation radio frequency signal (s1), reception by an electronic device (4) of an activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) emitted by said pressure sensor (1), said activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, – transmission by said electronic device (4) of programming radio frequency signals (s3) to said pressure sensor (1), said programming radio frequency signals (s3) being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2,5 GHz and including initialization information (I0). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1a,

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A VEHICLE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for programming a tire pressure sensor for a vehicle. It finds a particular, but not limiting, application in the field of motor vehicles.

[0002] In the field of vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, a method for programming a tire pressure sensor of a vehicle known to a person skilled in the art comprises: - an emission by a pressure sensor activation device towards said pressure sensor of an initial activation radio frequency signal, said initial activation radio frequency signal being a low frequency radio frequency signal, for example emitted at 125 kHz, - an emission by the activation device of radio frequency programming signals, said radio frequency programming signals being high frequency signals emitted for example at 433MHz or 315MHz and including initialization information.

[0003] The activation device is a tire pressure monitoring system, also known as a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). It communicates with an electronic tire pressure monitoring system, also known as a TPMS, which includes an electronic control unit installed in the vehicle, as well as one or more pressure sensors located inside the tires, configured to measure the internal pressure of the tires, and configured to transmit pressure information to this electronic control unit in the vehicle. The electronic control unit can thus alert a vehicle user if one of the tires were to puncture or deflate, thereby preventing any risk to their safety.

[0004] One drawback of this prior art is that new generation pressure sensors are appearing on the market. These new pressure sensors incorporate technology that allows them to send radio frequency signals between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz instead of high-frequency radio frequency signals. However, current activation devices are not suitable for these new generation pressure sensors.

[0005] In this context, the present invention aims to propose a method for programming a tire pressure sensor for a vehicle which makes it possible to resolve the aforementioned drawback.

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes a method for programming a tire pressure sensor for a vehicle, said programming method comprising: - the transmission to said pressure sensor of an initial radio frequency activation signal, characterized in that said programming method further comprises: - following the emission of said initial activation radio frequency signal, a reception by an electronic device of an activation confirmation radio frequency signal emitted by said pressure sensor, said activation confirmation radio frequency signal being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - an emission by said electronic device of programming radio frequency signals towards said pressure sensor, said programming radio frequency signals being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and including initialization information.

[0007] Thus, as will be seen in detail later, the electronic device allows communication with the new generation pressure sensor and, in particular, receives radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and emits radio frequency signals at the same frequency, which are then sent to the pressure sensor. Therefore, the programming method reduces costs since it uses a pre-adapted electronic device, eliminating the need to adapt existing activation devices.

[0008] According to non-limiting embodiments, said method of programming a tire pressure sensor of a vehicle may further comprise one or more additional features taken alone or according to all technically possible combinations, among the following.

[0009] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the programming method further includes writing said initialization information into memory of said pressure sensor.

[0010] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the reception of said radio frequency activation confirmation signal and the transmission of said radio frequency programming signals is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol.

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the emission of said initial activation radio frequency signal is carried out by a pressure sensor activation device or by said electronic device.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said initial activation radio frequency signal is a low frequency signal when emitted by said activation device or is a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz when emitted by said electronic device.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said programming method further comprises, following the emission of said programming radio frequency signals, a reception by said electronic device of a programming confirmation radio frequency signal emitted by said pressure sensor, said programming confirmation radio frequency signal being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the reception of said radio frequency signal for programming confirmation is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said initialization information includes identification information for said pressure sensor, position of said pressure sensor, and the production date of the corresponding tire.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said electronic device is a mobile phone, a tablet, or a computer.

[0017] An electronic device is further proposed, characterized in that said electronic device is configured to: - to switch to a reception mode so as to receive a radio frequency activation confirmation signal emitted by a vehicle tire pressure sensor, said radio frequency activation confirmation signal being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - to receive said radio frequency activation confirmation signal from said pressure sensor, - switch to a transmission mode so as to emit programmed radio frequency signals towards said pressure sensor, - to emit said radio frequency programming signals, said radio frequency programming signals being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and including initialization information.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said electronic device is further configured to: - emit an initial activation radio frequency signal towards said pressure sensor, said initial activation radio frequency signal being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said electronic device is further configured to, following the emission of said programming radio frequency signals, receive a programming confirmation radio frequency signal emitted by said pressure sensor, said programming confirmation radio frequency signal being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

[0020] A computer program product is further proposed comprising one or more sequences of instructions executable by an information processing unit, the execution of said sequences of instructions enabling the implementation of the following steps, when said sequences of instructions are loaded onto a computer, the steps being: - a transition to a reception mode so as to receive a radio frequency activation confirmation signal emitted by a vehicle tire pressure sensor, said radio frequency activation confirmation signal being a signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - reception of said radio frequency activation confirmation signal, - a transition to a transmission mode so as to emit programmed radio frequency signals towards said pressure sensor, - an emission of said radio frequency programming signals, said radio frequency programming signals being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and including initialization information.

[0021] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0022] [Fig.la] is a diagram of a first non-limiting embodiment of a programming method according to the invention for a vehicle tire pressure sensor,

[0023] [Fig. 1b] is a diagram of a second, non-limiting embodiment of a programming method according to the invention for a vehicle tire pressure sensor,

[0024] [Fig.2] is a diagram of the programming method of [Fig.1a], said programming method comprising additional steps according to non-limiting embodiments,

[0025] [Fig.3] is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a programming system according to the invention for a vehicle tire pressure sensor configured to implement said programming method of Figures 1a, 1b or 2, said programming system comprising an activation device and an electronic device,

[0026] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the programming system of the preceding figure, and of the functions of said activation device and said electronic device, said programming system being configured to communicate with a pressure sensor.

[0027] Identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0028] The programming method Prl of a tire pressure sensor 1 of a vehicle tire 2 according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1a, 1b and 2. It is implemented by a programming system 6 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The programming system 6 comprises an electronic device 4 described later. In a non-limiting embodiment, it further comprises an activation device 5 described later.

[0029] In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 3 is a motor vehicle. The vehicle 3 is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. It is equipped with tires 2 in which pressure sensors 1 are housed. The pressure sensors 1 are programmable pressure sensors. There is only one pressure sensor 1 per tire 2. The vehicle 3 also includes an electronic control unit 30, referred to as the ECU in the following description, or otherwise called the on-board computer 30. The terms electronic control unit 30 and on-board computer 30 are used interchangeably in the following description. The pressure sensor 1-on-board computer 30 assembly is referred to as the "electronic tire pressure monitoring system" (or in English, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," abbreviated as "TPMS").

[0030] Each pressure sensor 1 is conventionally equipped with a radio frequency transmitter to allow the transmission of data to the electronic control unit 30. The electronic control unit 30 receiving the data from the pressure sensors 1 can thus alert a user of the vehicle 3 if one of the tires 2 punctures or deflates, and thus avoid any risk to the safety of the user of the vehicle 3.

[0031] It should be noted that each pressure sensor 1 is configured to communicate according to its own communication protocol with the electronic control unit 30 of the vehicle 3. Thus, a specific communication protocol is defined according to the type (make and model) of a pressure sensor 1. Depending on the type of vehicle 3, each vehicle has one or more types of pressure sensors 1. To determine the communication protocol used by each pressure sensor 1 of a vehicle 3, it is necessary to select the type of vehicle 3, a type being defined by the manufacturer, model and year of manufacture of a vehicle 3.

[0032] When a pressure sensor 1 is no longer recognized by the electronic control unit 30, it must be programmed or reprogrammed with initialization information 10. A pressure sensor 1 is no longer recognized when manipulation has been performed on the pneumatic 2 or on the pressure sensor 1 itself, such as in non-limiting examples: - a change of a tire 2 with a new pressure sensor 1, the latter no longer being recognized by the electronic control unit 30, or - a replacement of pressure sensor 1 with a new pressure sensor 1 on a tire 2, or - a change in position of the tire 2 in which the pressure sensor 1 is housed.

[0033] In a non-limiting embodiment, the initialization information 10 (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) includes: - an identification information for pressure sensor 1, and - a position information i2 from pressure sensor 1.

[0034] In a non-limiting embodiment, the initialization information 10 further includes: - DOT information, or production date, for the corresponding tire 2.

[0035] In a non-limiting example, the identification information is a Each pressure sensor 1 has its own alphanumeric code. Thanks to this alphanumeric code, the vehicle's electronic control unit 30 can distinguish the four tires 2 in which the pressure sensors 1 are housed and thus warn the vehicle's user of any problem occurring on one of the tires 2. Thus, the identification information il of the pressure sensor 1 can subsequently be associated with the position pl of the tire 2 in which said pressure sensor 1 is housed.

[0036] It will be noted that the position information i2 of the pressure sensor 1 corresponds to the position pl of the tire 2 in which it is installed, namely: - front right, - front left, or - rear right, or - rear left.

[0037] We will therefore speak in an undifferentiated way in the rest of the description of the position pl of the tire 2 or of the position pl of the pressure sensor 1 which is found in the position information i2.

[0038] The DOT information, which stands for "Department of Transportation" in English, on tire 2 corresponds to its production date. It consists in particular of four digits indicating the week and year of manufacture, a code of the factory where the tire was manufactured, a dimensional code specific to the manufacturer and an optional code specific to the manufacturer.

[0039] As will be seen below, the programming of the pressure sensor 1 is done by means of the electronic device 4 and, where applicable, the activation device 5.

[0040] In non-limiting embodiments, the electronic device 4 is a mobile phone, also known as a Smartphone, a tablet, a computer, or any other type of electronic device comprising a communication module data configured to communicate at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. Note that smartphones typically include a data communication module configured to communicate at this frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b, the Prl programming method comprises the following steps.

[0042] In a step El 1 illustrated Fl 1(1, si) in figures la and 1b, an initial radio frequency activation signal si is emitted towards the pressure sensor 1.

[0043] In a non-limiting embodiment, the initial activation radio frequency signal si is periodically emitted towards the pressure sensor 1.

[0044] The initial radio frequency activation signal si wakes up the pressure sensor 1. Initially, the pressure sensor 1 is in a sleep mode, which conserves its battery 54 (illustrated in [Fig. 4]). The initial radio frequency activation signal si is emitted according to a communication protocol specific to the pressure sensor 1.

[0045] In a first, non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1a], the emission of the initial radio frequency activation signal si is carried out by an activation device 5. In this case, the initial radio frequency activation signal si is a low-frequency signal, otherwise known as an LF signal. In a non-limiting embodiment, the initial radio frequency activation signal si is emitted at a frequency between 30 kHz and 300 kHz. In a variant of this non-limiting embodiment, the initial radio frequency activation signal si is emitted at a frequency between 100 kHz and 150 kHz. In one example of this non-limiting embodiment, the initial radio frequency activation signal si is emitted at a frequency of 125 kHz. It should be noted that said radio frequency activation signal si is an electromagnetic signal, either continuous or modulated.

[0046] The activation device 5 is a dedicated pressure control tool generally referred to in English as "TPMS tool" for "Tyre Pressure Monitoring System".

[0047] In order to activate the pressure sensor 1, in a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle type 3 is first manually selected by an operator using the activation device 5 via a database loaded into memory or accessible on a remote server by the activation device 5, in non-limiting examples. The database includes different vehicle types 3 with their associated pressure sensor types 1, as well as the communication protocols specific to the different pressure sensors 1.

[0048] It should be noted that the activation device 5 knows the position pl of the tire 2 in which the pressure sensor 1 is housed and towards which it emits the signal Initial radio frequency activation if. The position pl also represents the position of pressure sensor 1 as described previously.

[0049] In this first non-limiting embodiment, in an illustrated step Eli' Fll'(5, 4, i4) the activation device 5 sends an activation information i4 to the electronic device 4 to indicate that it has sent an initial radio frequency activation signal si to the pressure sensor 1 to activate it.

[0050] In a second non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig.lb], the emission of the initial activation radio frequency signal si is carried out by the electronic device 4. In this case, the initial activation radio frequency signal si is a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4GHz and 2.5GHz.

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment, the initial activation radio frequency signal s1 is transmitted at a frequency within the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. This frequency band is the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range from 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. In a non-limiting embodiment, the transmission of the initial activation radio frequency signal si is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol, referred to by the acronym BLE. The initial activation radio frequency signal si is thus a so-called BLE signal.

[0052] Similarly, in order to activate the pressure sensor 1, in a non-limiting embodiment, the selection of the vehicle type 3 is carried out beforehand manually by an operator using the electronic device 4 via a database which is loaded into memory or accessible on a remote server by the electronic device 4 in non-limiting examples.

[0053] In this case, the electronic device 4 must also know the position pl of the tire 2 in which the pressure sensor 1 is housed.

[0054] In a step E12 illustrated F12(4, 1, s2) in figures 1a and 1b, following the emission of the initial activation radio frequency signal si, the electronic device 4 receives an activation confirmation radio frequency signal s2 emitted by the pressure sensor 1.

[0055] In a non-limiting embodiment, the radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 is emitted periodically by the pressure sensor 1.

[0056] The activation confirmation radio frequency signal s2 is a radio frequency signal transmitted and therefore received at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. This activation confirmation signal s2 allows the pressure sensor 1 to inform the electronic device 4 that it is indeed awake, i.e., activated, and therefore ready to be programmed.

[0057] In a non-limiting embodiment, the activation confirmation radio frequency signal s2 is received at a frequency within the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. This frequency band is the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range from 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. In a mode For the purposes of this non-limiting implementation, the reception of the s2 activation confirmation radio frequency signal is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol, referenced by the acronym BLE. The s2 activation confirmation radio frequency signal is therefore a so-called BLE signal.

[0058] Thus when the pressure sensor 1 has indicated to the electronic device 4 that it is ready to be programmed, in a step E13 illustrated F13(4, 1, s3(I0)) illustrated in figures 1a and 1b, the electronic device 4 emits programming radio frequency signals s3 towards the pressure sensor 1.

[0059] These programming radio frequency signals s3 are radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. They include initialization information 10.

[0060] In a non-limiting embodiment, the programming radio frequency signals s3 are transmitted at a frequency within the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. This frequency band is the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range from 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. In a non-limiting embodiment, the transmission of the programming radio frequency signals s3 is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol, referred to by the acronym BLE. The programming radio frequency signals s3 are thus called BLE signals.

[0061] When the pressure sensor 1 receives the programming radio frequency signals s3, in a step E14 illustrated F14(1, 10, 10), the initialization information 10 is written into memory 10 of the pressure sensor 1.

[0062] Thus, the pressure sensor 1 includes in a memory 10 illustrated in [Fig.4] - his identification information, - its position information i2, and where applicable - the DOT information of the corresponding tire 2, namely the tire 2 in which it is housed.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the Prl programming method further includes other non-limiting steps described below.

[0064] Steps E1 to E14 illustrated in [Fig. 2] are the same as those described in [Fig. 1b]. Note that [Fig. 2] reproduces the steps of [Fig. 1b], but it can also reproduce the steps of [Fig. 1a], including in particular steps E1 and E1' described previously in [Fig. 1a].

[0065] In a step E13' illustrated E13'(4, 1, s4), following the emission of said programming radio frequency signals s3 by the electronic device 4 and before the step of emitting the programming radio frequency signals s3, the electronic device 4 receives a radio frequency programming confirmation signal s4 emitted by the pressure sensor 1.

[0066] The programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 is a radio frequency signal transmitted and therefore received at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. In a non-limiting embodiment, the programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 is received at a frequency within the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. This frequency band is the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range from 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. In a non-limiting embodiment, the reception of said programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol. The programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 is thus a so-called BLE signal.

[0067] Thus, when the electronic device 4 receives the radio frequency programming confirmation signal s4, this indicates to it that the pressure sensor 1 is ready to be programmed. We can then proceed to step E14 described previously.

[0068] The programming method Prl of a pressure sensor 1 of a tire 2 of vehicle 3 is implemented by the programming system 6 of a pressure sensor 1 of a tire 2 of vehicle 3. Said programming system 6 is illustrated in [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] in a non-limiting embodiment.

[0069] The programming system 6 includes the electronic device 4 and, where applicable, the activation device 5. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures, it also includes the activation device 5.

[0070] The electronic device 4 is configured to: - switch to a reception mode ml so as to receive a radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 emitted by a tire pressure sensor 1 of vehicle 3, said radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz (function illustrated f41(4, ml) shown in [Fig.4]), - receive said radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 from said pressure sensor 1 (function illustrated f42(4, 1, s2) in [Fig.4]), - switch to an emission mode m2 so as to emit programming radio frequency signals s3 towards said pressure sensor 1 (function illustrated f43(4, m2) shown in [Fig.4]), - emit said programming radio frequency signals s3, said programming radio frequency signals s3 being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and including initialization information 10 (function illustrated f44(4, 1, s3(I0)) on [Fig.4]).

[0071] Of course, the electronic device 4 can receive one or more radio frequency activation confirmation signals s2 emitted by a pressure sensor 1.

[0072] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic device 4 is further configured to: - emit said initial activation radio frequency signal if towards pressure sensor 1, said initial activation radio frequency signal if being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz function illustrated f45(4, 1, s3) on [Fig.4]).

[0073] In this case, it will have previously been switched to the m2 emission mode. Of course, the electronic device 4 can emit one or more initial activation radio frequency signals towards the pressure sensor 1.

[0074] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic device 4 is further configured to, following the emission of said programming radio frequency signals s3, receive a programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 emitted by said pressure sensor 1, said programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz (function illustrated f46(4, 1, s4) in [Fig.4]).

[0075] In this case, it will have previously been switched to the ml reception mode. Of course, the electronic device 4 can receive one or more radio frequency programming confirmation signals s4 emitted by a pressure sensor 1.

[0076] In a non-limiting embodiment, when the communication protocol is the BLE protocol, the reception mode ml is a so-called scanning or listening mode where the electronic device 4 periodically scans communication channels on which the radio frequency activation confirmation signals s2 are broadcast by the pressure sensor 1, and where applicable the radio frequency programming confirmation signals s4.

[0077] The m2 transmission mode is a broadcast or advertising mode. In this broadcast mode, the electronic device 4 periodically broadcasts, in this case, the programming radio frequency signals s3, and where applicable, the initial activation radio frequency signals si.

[0078] It should be noted that when the electronic device 4 is in a scanning mode ml, the pressure sensor 1 is in a transmit mode. In this transmit mode, the pressure sensor 1 periodically broadcasts the activation confirmation radio frequency signals s2 on said communication channels, and where applicable, the programming confirmation radio frequency signals s4.

[0079] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic device 4 is further configured to display initial instructions i5 to a user indicating the procedure to follow for programming a pressure sensor 1 of pneumatic 2 (function illustrated f47(4, 44, i5) on [Fig.4]). For example, especially if the initial activation of the pressure sensor 1 is done by the electronic device 4 or by the activation device 5.

[0080] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the electronic device 4 includes a processing unit 40 configured to perform the functions f41 to f47 described above.

[0081] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the electronic device 4 further comprises: - a first data communication module 41 configured to communicate with the pressure sensor 1 at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz,

[0082] The first data communication module 41 is configured to establish a wireless communication link with the pressure sensor 1 and includes an antenna 410 illustrated in [Fig.4] configured to receive the radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 and, where applicable, the radio frequency programming confirmation signal s4.

[0083] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first data communication module 41 is a BLE communication module. In this case, it is configured to establish a BLE wireless communication link with the pressure sensor 1 (the latter being in this case a BLE sensor). Its antenna 410 is thus configured to receive the activation confirmation radio frequency signal s2 and, where applicable, the programming confirmation radio frequency signal s4 in the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band according to the BLE communication protocol.

[0084] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic device 4 further comprises: - a second communication module 42 configured to communicate with the activation device 5.

[0085] In non-limiting embodiments, the second communication module 42 is configured to communicate with a third communication module 52 of the activation device 5 via wired or wireless means to transmit and / or receive data. In one non-limiting example, wired means are a USB cable. In other non-limiting examples, wireless means are a Wi-Fi™ network or a conventional Bluetooth™ network.

[0086] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic device 4 further comprises a human-machine interface 43 (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) such as a screen in a non-limiting example.

[0087] In non-limiting embodiments, the human-machine interface 43 is configured to: - display initialization information 10, and / or - a message (illustrated in [Fig.3]) indicating that pressure sensor 1 is activated and ready to be programmed, following receipt of the activation confirmation radio frequency signal s2, and / or - a message msg2 (illustrated in [Fig.3]) indicating that the pressure sensor has been successfully programmed, following the reception of the radio frequency programming confirmation signal s4, and / or - the first i5 instructions (illustrated on [Fig.3]) indicating the programming procedure to follow.

[0088] In non-limiting examples, the screen is an LCD or TFT screen.

[0089] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic device 4 further includes a memory 44 (illustrated in [Fig.4]) in which the initialization information 10 described above can be saved, in particular.

[0090] In a non-limiting embodiment, if the activation device 5 is used for the initial activation of the pressure sensor 1, the activation device 5 is configured to transmit to said pressure sensor 1 an initial activation radio frequency signal si, said initial activation radio frequency signal si being an LF signal (function illustrated f51(5, 1, si) in [Fig.4]).

[0091] In a non-limiting embodiment, the activation device 5 is further configured to transmit an activation information i4 to the electronic device 4 indicating that it has successfully sent the initial radio frequency activation signal si to the pressure sensor 1 1 (function illustrated f52(5, 4, i4) in [Fig.4]).

[0092] In a non-limiting embodiment, the activation device 5 is further configured to display second instructions i5' to a user indicating the procedure to follow for programming the pressure sensor 1 (function illustrated f53(5, 55, i5') in [Fig.4]).

[0093] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the activation device 5 includes a processing unit 50 configured to perform the functions f51 to f53 described above.

[0094] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the activation device 5 further comprises: - a low frequency data transmission module 51 configured to transmit the initial activation radio frequency signal to the pressure sensor 1, - a third communication module 52 configured to communicate with the second communication module 42 of the electronic device 4.

[0095] The low frequency data transmission module 51 includes an antenna 510 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 configured to transmit the initial activation radio frequency signal if low frequency.

[0096] The activation device 5 further comprises: - a 53 mm casing illustrated in [Fig. 3], in a non-limiting example made of plastic, - a battery 54 illustrated in [Fig.4], - a display device 55 illustrated in [Fig. 3], such as a screen in a non-limiting example as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In non-limiting examples, the screen is an LCD or TFT screen, - a 56-digit keyboard illustrated in [Fig. 3], and - an OBD 57 socket illustrated in [Fig.3] configured to allow, for example, the connection of the activation device 5 to the electronic control unit 30 of the vehicle 3, in particular via an OBD cable.

[0097] In a non-limiting embodiment, the activation device 5 further comprises a communication port 58 illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In a non-limiting example, the communication port 58 is a USB port. The communication port 58 is configured to connect the activation device 5 to an electronic device, such as a computer or the electronic device 4 itself. The communication port 58 is further configured to be connected to a power supply to receive electrical energy for charging the battery 54. This power supply may be a mains power outlet, but also any type of electronic or electrical device capable of supplying power to the battery 54, such as a computer.

[0098] It should be noted that the implementation of steps E12 and E13 described above can be carried out using microprogrammed software, hardwired logic, and / or electronic hardware components. In a non-limiting embodiment, the implementation of steps Eli and El 1', or steps El 1 and E13', or steps Eli, Eli', and E13' described above according to the embodiments realized, is also carried out using microprogrammed software, hardwired logic, and / or electronic hardware components.

[0099] Thus, the electronic device 4 may include one or more computer program products comprising one or more sequences of instructions executable by a processing unit such as a microprocessor, or a processing unit of a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc., the execution of said sequences of instructions allowing implementation of steps E12 and E13 described above and where appropriate steps Eli and Eli', or Eli and E13', or Eli, Eli' and E13'.

[0100] Such a computer program may be stored in writable non-volatile memory of the ROM type or in rewritable non-volatile memory of the EEPROM or FLASH type. The computer program may be stored in memory at the factory, loaded into memory, or downloaded remotely into memory. The instruction sequences may be machine instruction sequences or sequences of a command language interpreted by the processing unit at the time of their execution.

[0101] In the non-limiting example of [Fig.4], a computer program product Pg is written into the memory 44 of the electronic device 4.

[0102] Thus, the computer program product Pg comprises one or more sequences of instructions executable by an information processing unit, the execution of said sequences of instructions enabling the implementation of the following steps when it is loaded onto a computer, the steps being: - a transition to a receive mode ml so as to receive a radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 emitted by a pressure sensor 1 of a tire 2 of a vehicle 3, said radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2 being a signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - a reception of said radio frequency activation confirmation signal s2, - a transition to a transmit mode m2 so as to transmit programming radio frequency signals s3 towards said pressure sensor 1, - an emission of said programming radio frequency signals s3, said programming radio frequency signals s3 being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and comprising initialization information 10.

[0103] In a non-limiting embodiment, the steps are further steps El 1 and Eli', or Eli and E13', or Eli, Eli' andE13'.

[0104] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments and the field described above. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the display device 55 and the keypad 56 of the activation device 5 can be replaced by a single element such as a touchscreen allowing, on the one hand, the display of information and, on the other hand, the activation of functions via dedicated pictograms or the confirmation of an operation by an operator.

[0105] Thus, the described invention has, in particular, the following advantages: - it allows the use of 4 electronic devices already adapted to communicate with the new generation 1 pressure sensors; - it reduces economic costs since it is not necessary to modify the existing activation devices 5 to adapt them by integrating a new communication module, - It is simple to implement.

Claims

Demands

1. A programming method (Prl) for a tire pressure sensor (1) of a vehicle tire (2) (3), said programming method (Prl) comprising: - transmitting an initial activation radio frequency signal (si) to said pressure sensor (1), characterized in that said programming method (Prl) further comprises: - following the transmission of said initial activation radio frequency signal (si), receiving by an electronic device (4) an activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) transmitted by said pressure sensor (1), said activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) being a radio frequency signal transmitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - transmitting by said electronic device (4) programming radio frequency signals (s3) to said pressure sensor (1), said programming radio frequency signals (s3) being radio frequency signals transmitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2,5 GHz and including initialization information (10).

2. Programming method (Prl) according to claim 1, wherein the programming method (Prl) further comprises writing said initialization information (10) into memory (10) of said pressure sensor (1).

3. Programming method (Prl) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reception of said radio frequency activation confirmation signal (s2) and the transmission of said radio frequency programming signals (s3) is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol.

4. Programming method (Prl) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emission of said initial activation radio frequency signal (si) is carried out by an activation device (5) of the pressure sensor (1) or by said electronic device (4).

5. A programming method (Prl) according to the preceding claim, wherein said initial activation radio frequency signal (si) is a low-frequency signal when emitted by said activation device (5) or is a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz when emitted by said electronic device (4).

6. Programming method (Prl) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said programming method (Prl) further comprises, following the emission of said programming radio frequency signals (s3), a reception by said electronic device (4) of a programming confirmation radio frequency signal (s4) emitted by said pressure sensor (1), said programming confirmation radio frequency signal (s4) being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

7. Programming method (Prl) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reception of said programming confirmation radio frequency signal (s4) is carried out according to the Bluetooth Low Energy™ communication protocol.

8. Programming method (Prl) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said initialization information (10) includes identification information (11) of said pressure sensor (1), position information (12) of said pressure sensor (1), and the production date of the corresponding tire (2).

9. A programming method (Prl) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic device (4) is a mobile phone, a tablet, or a computer.

10. Electronic device (4), characterized in that said electronic device (4) is configured to: - switch to a receive mode (ml) so as to receive an activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) emitted by a pressure sensor (1) of a tire (2) of a vehicle (3), said activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - receive said activation confirmation radio frequency signal (s2) from said pressure sensor (1), - switch to a transmit mode (m2) so as to transmit programming radio frequency signals (s3) to said pressure sensor (1), - emit said programming radio frequency signals (s3), said programming radio frequency signals (s3) being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and including initialization information (10).

11. Electronic device (4) according to claim 10, wherein said electronic device (4) is further configured to: - emit an initial activation radio frequency signal (si) to said pressure sensor (1), said initial activation radio frequency signal (si) being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

12. Electronic device (4) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said electronic device (4) is further configured to, following the emission of said programming radio frequency signals (s3), receive a programming confirmation radio frequency signal (s4) emitted by said pressure sensor (1), said programming confirmation radio frequency signal (s4) being a radio frequency signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

13. Product computer program (Pg) comprising one or more sequences of instructions executable by an information processing unit, the execution of said sequences of instructions enabling the implementation of the following steps, when said sequences of instructions are loaded onto a computer, the steps being: - a transition to a receive mode (ml) so as to receive a radio frequency activation confirmation signal (s2) emitted by a pressure sensor (1) of a tire (2) of a vehicle (3), said radio frequency activation confirmation signal (s2) being a signal emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, - a reception of said radio frequency activation confirmation signal (s2), - a transition to a transmit mode (m2) so as to transmit radio frequency programming signals (s3) to said pressure sensor (1), - a transmission of said radio frequency programming signals (s3),said radio frequency programming signals (s3) being radio frequency signals emitted at a frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz and comprising initialization information (10).

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