Vehicle smart key systems and methods

Abstract

To provide methods, systems and apparatus for a vehicle preconditioning system.SOLUTION: The vehicle preconditioning system includes a vehicle and an associated wireless key for the vehicle. The wireless key is configured to measure biometric data (e.g., heart rate, temperature, and the like) of a user of the wireless key to determine a physiological state of the user. The wireless key can transmit a signal including the biometric data of the user to the vehicle. The vehicle can receive the signal and precondition the vehicle based upon the signal. Preconditioning can include adjusting climate control settings, lighting settings, and / or audio settings, among settings. The wireless key can transmit location data of the wireless key, which can be used to precondition the vehicle (e.g., to detect the wireless key is approaching or to determine a current activity of the user).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle smart key systems and methods, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to key fobs that use user biometric data to control vehicle systems. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of Related Art Vehicles often utilize remote keyless entry systems to allow a user (e.g., a driver) to unlock and / or open doors without inserting a key into the lock. Some remote keyless entry systems include a key fob carried by the user. The key fob has a wireless transducer that communicates with the vehicle to initiate the unlocking and / or opening of the doors. Other remote keyless entry systems utilize an application running on a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates with the vehicle to unlock and / or open the doors.

[0003] When a driver enters a vehicle, the driver may manually adjust vehicle settings (e.g., climate control, seat position, lighting, etc.) to the driver's preferences. This process can be time-consuming and distract the driver from other important tasks, such as maintaining awareness of the vehicle's surroundings. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that proactively adjusts the vehicle according to the driver's real-time preferences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, one aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be embodied in a system including a wireless key and a vehicle. The wireless key may be configured to determine a location of the wireless key and / or biometric data of a user of the wireless key. The wireless key may be configured to transmit a signal including at least one of the location of the wireless key and / or the biometric data of the user of the wireless key. The vehicle may be configured to receive a signal from the wireless key and pre-condition the vehicle based on the signal.

[0005] Optionally, these and other embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The wireless key includes a biometric sensor configured to measure biometric data of the user. The biometric data may include the user's heart rate and / or the user's temperature. Pre-conditioning the vehicle based on the signal may include adjusting interior lighting of the vehicle, vehicle climate control, and / or vehicle audio settings. Adjusting the interior lighting of the vehicle may include adjusting a color of the interior lighting. The wireless key may further include a GPS, whereby the wireless key is configured to determine a location of the wireless key. The wireless key may further include a gyro sensor, whereby the wireless key is configured to determine a movement of the user. The wireless key may further include a pre-conditioning button. The wireless key may be configured to transmit a signal in response to a user activating the pre-conditioning button. The signal may include the location of the wireless key. The vehicle may be further configured to determine that the wireless key is approaching the vehicle and pre-condition the vehicle in response to determining that the wireless key is approaching the vehicle.

[0006] In another aspect, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a communications module and a vehicle preconditioning unit. The communications module may be configured to prompt the wireless key to broadcast a beacon to emit a signal and to receive a signal from the wireless key that includes biometric data of a user of the wireless key. The vehicle preconditioning unit may be configured to determine a desired vehicle state based on the biometric data and precondition the vehicle to the desired vehicle state.

[0007] Optionally, these and other embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The desired vehicle state may be climate control settings, lighting settings, and / or audio settings. The biometric data may include a user's heart rate and / or a user's temperature. The vehicle pre-conditioning unit may be further configured to determine whether the wireless key is within a vehicle pre-conditioning zone. An action related to pre-conditioning the vehicle to the desired vehicle state may be taken in response to the vehicle pre-conditioning unit determining that the wireless key is within the vehicle pre-conditioning zone.

[0008] In another aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving, via a communication module of a vehicle, a signal from a wireless key that includes biometric data of a user of the wireless key, and pre-conditioning a vehicle based on the biometric data of the user.

[0009] Optionally, these and other embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The method may further include measuring a physiological condition of the user using a biometric sensor of the wireless key, wherein the physiological condition of the user is included in the biometric data; The pre-conditioning of the vehicle may include adjusting interior lighting of the vehicle, adjusting an interior cabin temperature of the vehicle, and / or adjusting audio settings of the vehicle; The physiological condition of the user may include a heart rate of the user and / or a body temperature of the user; The method may further include detecting a location of the user using a GPS of the wireless key, wherein the pre-conditioning of the vehicle based on the biometric data of the user is further based on the location of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Components shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to more fully illustrate the important features of the present invention.

[0011] [Figure 1]1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle and an exemplary wireless key in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic components of the wireless key of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic components of the vehicle of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle and an exemplary wireless key in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary curve of HVAC temperature versus heart rate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless key having a pre-tuned button in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for pre-conditioning a vehicle based on data measured by a wireless key according to aspects of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 illustrates a user with a wireless key located outside a preconditioning zone of a vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates a user with a wireless key located inside a preconditioning zone of a vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Disclosed herein are systems, apparatus, vehicles, and methods that improve a user's experience when entering and operating a vehicle. Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages: The wireless key system utilizes biometric and / or other sensors to collect information regarding the user's physiological state. The vehicle uses this information to proactively adjust the vehicle in real time based on the user's physiological feedback. In this manner, the system provides a user-centric cabin experience in real time based on the user's physiological feedback.

[0013] The vehicle may adapt to various environmental factors and / or the user's physiological state. The wireless key may utilize a global positioning system (GPS) unit to detect location data, including the wireless key's current location, to determine the user's location. The user's location may indicate to the system the user's physiological state (e.g., when the user is at the gym, the system may assume the user's heart rate is elevated) and / or the user's arrival time at the vehicle (e.g., the system may use GPS data to determine that the user is approaching or about to approach the vehicle). The wireless key may utilize one or more biometric sensors to detect the user's physiological state (e.g., heart rate and / or body temperature). The system may adjust climate control settings (and / or other vehicle settings) based on the user's physiological state. In this manner, the wireless key may be linked to the vehicle to transmit driver information when the driver is not in the vehicle. The vehicle may intelligently provide vehicle comfort and adjust dynamic vehicle settings based on data extrapolated from the wireless key.

[0014] Other benefits and advantages include the use of artificial intelligence, including machine algorithms that train models to anticipate, predict, or otherwise determine the time of a user's desired settings based on user physiological data. By anticipating, predicting, or otherwise determining a user's desired vehicle settings when the user is in various physiological states, the system may proactively predict desired vehicle settings for various user data and may function to proactively adjust the vehicle accordingly.

[0015] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example vehicle 100 and a user 102 carrying an example wireless key 104 in accordance with the teachings herein. Vehicle 100 may be a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and / or any other mobility-implementing vehicle. Vehicle 100 includes mobility-related parts, such as a powertrain having an engine, a transmission, a suspension, a driveshaft, and / or wheels. Vehicle 100 may be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some routine motoring functions are controlled by vehicle 100), or autonomous (e.g., motoring functions are controlled by vehicle 100 without direct driver input).

[0016] In the illustrated example, the vehicle 100 includes a communication module 106 that communicatively couples to the wireless key 104. The communication module 106 may be a short-range wireless module including a wireless transducer that wirelessly communicates with the wireless key 104 and / or another device within the broadcast range or distance of the communication module 106. The short-range wireless module includes software, hardware, and firmware that establishes a connection with the wireless key 104. In some examples, the short-range wireless module implements the Bluetooth® and / or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocols. The Bluetooth® and BLE protocols are described in Volume 6 of the Bluetooth® Specification 4.0 (and subsequent revisions), maintained by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group. The short-range wireless module may implement Wi-Fi, NearLink, Near Field Communication (NFC), LPWAN, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and / or IEEE 802.15.4. In various examples, the vehicle 100 includes one communication module (e.g., the communication module 106). In another example, the vehicle 100 includes multiple communication modules that communicate with the wireless keys 104 and are located at different locations throughout the vehicle 100 .

[0017] 1 , the broadcast range of the communications module 106 may define a proximity range 108 of the vehicle 100 within which the communications module 106 can communicate with the wireless key 104 and / or another device. For example, when the wireless key 104 is within the proximity range 108 of the vehicle 100, the wireless key 104 may collect beacons or signals (e.g., low-energy beacons, e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) beacons, Wi-Fi signals, etc.) broadcast intermittently by the communications module 106. In some examples, the signals are broadcast by the communications module 106 at a constant rate (e.g., one broadcast per second). In other examples, the rate at which the communications module 106 broadcasts signals depends on the distance between the communications module 106 and the wireless key 104. For example, the communications module 106 may broadcast signals at a faster rate the closer the wireless key 104 is to the vehicle 100.

[0018] The preconditioning system may have a network 115 that links the wireless key 104 with the vehicle 100. The network 115 may be a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or a combination thereof that couples, connects, and / or otherwise communicates between the vehicle 100 and the wireless key 104.

[0019] Additionally, when the wireless key 104 is within the proximity range 108, the communications module 106 may receive signals transmitted by the wireless key 104 (e.g., via Bluetooth and / or BLE protocols, Wi-Fi, etc.). For example, the signals received by the communications module 106 of the vehicle 100 may include user biometric data (e.g., heart rate, body temperature, etc.), location data (e.g., GPS location), speed data (including, e.g., speed and direction of movement), orientation data, and / or other data of the wireless key 104. Additionally, the communications module 106 may determine the distance between the vehicle 100 and the wireless key 104. For example, the communications module 106 may determine the distance to the wireless key 104 based on the signal strength of the received signal. In some such examples, the communications module 106 utilizes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) corresponding to the received signal to determine the distance to the wireless key 104. In other examples, the communications module 106 may determine the distance to the wireless key 104 based on GPS data received from the wireless key 104.

[0020] The vehicle 100 in the illustrated example includes a global positioning sensor (GPS) receiver 114, exterior lighting 116, interior lighting 118, and a climate control system 126. The GPS receiver 114 determines and / or acquires the position and / or orientation (e.g., magnetic orientation) of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated example, the exterior lighting 116 includes headlamps and taillights, and the interior lighting 118 includes ceiling lights. The climate control system 126 includes various components that regulate the cabin environment to a target cabin temperature. The climate control system 126 may include a heater and / or air conditioner and appropriate fans as part of the vehicle HVAC system. The climate control system 126 may include HVAC components, heated seat functionality, heated mirror functionality, heated steering wheel functionality, cooled seat functionality, cooled mirror functionality, cooled steering wheel functionality, and the like.

[0021] Vehicle 100 may further include an audio system 128 to enable the driver and passengers to enjoy music and the like while driving. Audio system 128 may include vehicle audio equipment, such as a radio tuner, tape player, CD player, etc., that receives audio signals as a source and processes the audio signals for output through loudspeakers, which are typically integrated into the vehicle doors, dashboard, seats, roof, etc. to enable the loudspeakers to reproduce sound.

[0022] Each of the exterior lighting 116, the interior lighting 118, the climate control system 126, and the audio system 128 may be communicatively coupled to the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124, which may send a signal to one or more of the exterior lighting 116, the interior lighting 118, the climate control system 126, and the audio system 128 to pre-condition the corresponding one or more of the exterior lighting 116, the interior lighting 118, the climate control system 126, and the audio system 128. For example, the color and / or brightness of the exterior lighting 116 and / or the interior lighting 118 may be pre-conditioned based on the time of day, the driver's perceived mood, the driver's physiological data, the driver's location (e.g., leaving home, leaving work, leaving the gym, a sporting event, etc.), etc. Climate control system 126 may be pre-adjusted by vehicle pre-conditioning 124 based on driver physiological data (e.g., an increase in heart rate and / or body temperature may cause climate control system 126 to target a first (lower) cabin temperature and / or a decrease in heart rate and / or body temperature may cause climate control system 126 to target a second (higher) cabin temperature). Audio system 128 may be adjusted by vehicle pre-conditioning 124 based on time of day, driver's perceived mood, driver's physiological data, driver's location (e.g., away from home, away from work, away from the gym, etc.), etc.

[0023] Vehicle 100 also includes doors 120 that allow user 102 to access and / or enter the interior of vehicle 100. In the example shown, vehicle 100 is a four-door vehicle, such that doors 120 include a front driver's side door, a front passenger's side door, a rear driver's side door, and a rear passenger's side door. In other examples, vehicle 100 may include more or fewer doors through which user 102 may access and / or enter the interior of vehicle 100. Vehicle 100 also includes electronic latches 122 that lock and / or unlock doors 120. Each of electronic latches 122 may control a respective door 120. In some examples, each electronic latch 122 is communicatively coupled to a sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared sensor, an angular rotation sensor, etc.) of a corresponding door 120 to detect when user 102 is attempting to open door 120. Each of the electronic latches 122 may be communicatively connected to a vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124, which may send a signal to one or more of the electronic latches 122 to unlock and / or lock a corresponding one or more of the doors 120.

[0024] The vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 is also communicatively connected to the communication module 106 and / or the GPS receiver 114 of the vehicle 100. In operation, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 collects data (e.g., user biometric data, location data, speed data, orientation data) of the wireless key 104 received by the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 utilizes sensor fusion (e.g., executes a sensor fusion algorithm) to combine and / or reduce uncertainties associated with the data received from the wireless key 104. Furthermore, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 obtains the distance between the vehicle 100 and the wireless key 104, as determined by the communication module 106, for example, based on the RSSI of the signal received from the wireless key 104. Alternatively, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may determine the distance between the vehicle 100 and the wireless key 104 based on data (e.g., GPS location data) collected by the vehicle 100 and / or the wireless key 104.

[0025] Additionally, the vehicle preconditioner 124 of the illustrated example collects data associated with the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle preconditioner 124 collects position and / or orientation (e.g., magnetic orientation) data of the vehicle 100 from the GPS receiver 114 and / or sensors (e.g., sensors 304 of FIG. 3 ) of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the GPS receiver 114 collects position and / or orientation data of the vehicle 100 determined using satellite-based GPS and / or ground-based assisted GPS.

[0026] Based on the collected data, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 determines an arrival time of the user 102 at the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may determine an expected time (e.g., 5:25 PM) at which the user 102 is expected to arrive at the vehicle 100 and / or an estimated period (e.g., 45 seconds) until the user 102 is expected to arrive at the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 pre-conditions the vehicle 100 prior to the arrival time (e.g., activating the exterior lights 116 and / or the interior lights 118, pre-conditioning the climate control system and / or the audio system, etc.) to improve the comfort of the user 102 upon arrival at the vehicle 100 and / or during and after entering the vehicle 100.

[0027] By pre-conditioning the vehicle 100 based on user biometric data, location data, speed, and / or other data received from the wireless key 104, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 can pre-condition the vehicle 100 before a user (e.g., user 102) arrives at the vehicle 100. For example, if the user 102 is moving quickly toward the vehicle 100, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may determine to pre-condition the vehicle 100 before the communications module 106 broadcasts another beacon to ensure that the vehicle 100 is pre-conditioned before the user 102 arrives at the vehicle 100. Alternatively, if the user 102 is moving slowly toward the vehicle 100, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may decide to wait, broadcast another beacon, and receive corresponding additional speed data from the wireless key 104 before determining whether and / or how long to pre-condition the vehicle 100.

[0028] 2 is a block diagram of electronic components 200 of the wireless key 104. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic components 200 include a microcontroller unit, controller, or processor 202. Additionally, the electronic components 200 include a memory 204, a communication module 206, and a sensor 208.

[0029] In the illustrated example, processor 202 is configured to include biometric determiner 210. Processor 202 may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devices, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0030] The memory 204 may be volatile memory (e.g., RAM including non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROM, EEPROM, memristor-based non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), permanent memory (e.g., EPROM), read-only memory, and / or high-capacity storage devices (e.g., hard drives, solid-state drives, etc.). In some examples, the memory 204 includes multiple types of memory, particularly volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0031] Memory 204 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions, such as software, that operate the methods of the present disclosure may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. For example, the instructions may reside, completely or at least partially, in any one or more of memory 204, the computer-readable medium, and / or processor 202 during execution of the instructions.

[0032] The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include a single medium or multiple media, such as centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated caches and servers, that store one or more sets of instructions. Furthermore, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include any tangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or causing a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals.

[0033] The communication module 206 of the electronic components 200 of the wireless key 104 communicatively connects to the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100. The communication module 206 may include a short-range wireless module having a wireless transducer that communicates with the communication module 106 when the vehicle 100 is within proximity or distance of the wireless key 104. The short-range wireless module includes software, hardware, and firmware that establishes a connection with the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the short-range wireless module implements Bluetooth® and / or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocols. In some examples, the short-range wireless module implements a Wi-Fi protocol.

[0034] The sensor 208 monitors characteristics or features associated with the wireless key 104 and / or the device to which the wireless key 104 is attached. In examples where the wireless key 104 is a key fob, the sensor 208 is located within the key fob and monitors characteristics or features of the key fob and / or the environment in which the key fob is located. In examples where the wireless key 104 is an application on a mobile device, the sensor is located within the mobile device and monitors characteristics or features of the mobile device and / or the environment in which the mobile device is located. The sensor 208 may include one or more of a gyroscope 212, an accelerometer 214, a magnetometer 216, a GPS 218, and / or a biometric sensor 220. For example, the accelerometer 214 measures the speed at which the wireless key 104 is moving. The gyroscope 212 and / or the magnetometer 216 measure the magnetic orientation of the wireless key 104 and / or the direction in which the wireless key 104 is moving. The GPS 218 may be a satellite-based GPS and / or a ground-based assisted GPS utilized to determine the location, orientation, and / or velocity of the wireless key 104. The biometric sensor 220 may be configured to measure physiological characteristics of a user using the wireless key 104.

[0035] In various embodiments, the biometric sensor 220 includes a heart rate monitoring sensor. The biometric sensor 220 may include a light source and a reflected light detector. The light source and reflected light detector may be selected for any suitable wavelength or band of wavelengths of light ranging from infrared to the human visible spectrum to ultraviolet wavelengths. In one example, the light source uses infrared (IR) light. In operation, a user may place the skin of a fingertip or other body part on the light source. The light source may direct light toward the skin. The light may pass through the skin toward blood vessels, such as arteries, veins, or capillaries, within the finger or hand. A reflected portion of the light may be reflected from the blood vessels toward the reflected light detector. The light detector may output a signal corresponding to the reflected portion of the light. The signal may be sent to the processor 202 for processing to identify the user's heartbeat and generate an indication of the heart rate. The indication of the heart rate may be used to pre-calibrate the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1 ). The user's heart rate may be measured using any suitable method and / or sensor 208 and transmitted to processor 202 for processing and / or pre-conditioning of vehicle 100 .

[0036] In various embodiments, the biometric sensor 220 includes a temperature sensor that measures the user's body temperature. The biometric sensor 220 may use infrared technology or the like to accurately measure skin temperature, with or without direct skin contact. Once the wireless key 104 measures the driver's body temperature, the wireless key 104 communicates this data to the vehicle's on-board computer system (e.g., vehicle preconditioner 124) using wireless communication technology (e.g., via network 115). The system may be designed to ensure data transmission is secure and only between the wireless key 104 and the vehicle 100, protecting the driver's privacy. Based on the data, the vehicle's climate control system (e.g., climate control system 126) may automatically adjust the cabin temperature to ensure the driver's comfort. If the driver's body temperature is higher than the optimal range, the system may cool the cabin before the driver enters. Conversely, if the driver's body temperature is lower than the optimal range, the system may increase the cabin temperature. Regardless of the automatic system, the driver may have the option to set preferences or manually override the automatic settings, for example, via the vehicle's infotainment system, ensuring that the driver is always in control of their comfort.

[0037] In operation, the biometric determiner 210 of the processor determines the user's biometric data and / or the location, speed, orientation, and / or other data of the wireless key 104 based on data collected by the gyroscope 212, accelerometer 214, magnetometer 216, GPS 218, biometric sensors 220, and / or any other of the sensors 208 of the wireless key 104. In some examples, the biometric determiner 210 utilizes sensor fusion (e.g., executes a sensor fusion algorithm) in which data collected from multiple sensors 208 is combined to reduce uncertainty associated with the data collected from the sensors 208. Additionally, the communications module 206 may collect beacons broadcast by the communications module 106 when the wireless key 104 is located within the proximity range 108 of the vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, the communications module 206 uses the GPS 218 and / or a cellular communications transceiver to determine the location, speed, and / or orientation of the wireless key 104. Upon collecting the beacon from the communication module 106, the communication module 206 of the wireless key 104 may generate a signal containing biometric data, location data, speed data, orientation data, and / or other data of the wireless key 104 and transmit or emit the signal to the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100.

[0038] 3 is a block diagram of electronic components 300 of vehicle 100. As shown in FIG. 3, electronic components 300 include a vehicle control module 302, a GPS receiver 114, a communication module 106, sensors 304, an electronic control unit (ECU) 306, and a vehicle data bus 308.

[0039] Vehicle control module 302 controls one or more subsystems throughout vehicle 100, such as exterior lighting, interior lighting, power windows, power mirrors, door locks, climate control (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)), audio control, etc. For example, vehicle control module 302 includes circuitry to drive one or more of relays (e.g., controlling wiper fluid, etc.), brushed direct current (DC) motors (e.g., controlling power seats, power windows, wipers, etc.), stepper motors, LEDs, etc.

[0040] The vehicle control module 302 includes a microcontroller unit, controller, or processor 310 and a memory 312. In some examples, the vehicle control module 302 is configured to include the vehicle preconditioner 124. Alternatively, in some examples, the vehicle preconditioner 124 is incorporated within a separate electronic control unit (ECU), which has its own processor 310 and memory 312. The processor 310 may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devices, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory 312 may be volatile memory (e.g., RAM including non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROM, EEPROM, memristor-based non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), permanent memory (e.g., EPROM), read-only memory, and / or high-capacity storage devices (e.g., hard drives, solid-state drives, etc.). In some examples, the memory 312 includes multiple types of memory, in particular volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0041] The memory 312 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions, such as software, that operate the methods of the present disclosure may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. For example, the instructions may reside, completely or at least partially, in any one or more of the memory 312, the computer-readable medium, and / or the processor 310 during execution of the instructions.

[0042] Sensors 304 are positioned within and around vehicle 100 to monitor characteristics of vehicle 100 and / or the environment in which vehicle 100 is located. One or more of sensors 304 may be mounted to measure characteristics in the environment outside vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of sensors 304 may be mounted inside the cabin of vehicle 100 or on the body of vehicle 100 (e.g., engine bay, wheel well, etc.) to measure characteristics inside vehicle 100. For example, sensors 304 may include an accelerometer, an odometer, a tachometer, pitch and yaw sensors, wheel speed sensors, a microphone, tire pressure sensors, biometric sensors, and / or any other suitable type of sensor. In the illustrated example, sensors 304 include a magnetometer 314, an ambient light sensor 316, and a temperature sensor 317. For example, magnetometer 314 may determine the orientation (e.g., magnetic orientation) of vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, ambient light sensor 316 may measure the amount of ambient light surrounding vehicle 100, allowing vehicle control module 302 to adjust the brightness of exterior lighting 116 and / or interior lighting 118 based on the amount of ambient light. Temperature sensor 317 may measure the cabin temperature and / or the ambient temperature surrounding vehicle 100, allowing vehicle control module 302 to adjust and target a desired interior cabin temperature.

[0043] ECU 306 monitors and controls subsystems of vehicle 100. For example, ECU 306 may be a separate set of electronics that includes its own circuitry (e.g., integrated circuits, microprocessors, memory, storage, etc.) and firmware, sensors, actuators, and / or implementation hardware. ECUs 306 communicate and exchange information via a vehicle data bus (e.g., vehicle data bus 308). Furthermore, ECUs 306 may communicate characteristics (e.g., ECU 306 status, sensor readings, control states, error and diagnostic codes, etc.) and / or receive requests from one another. For example, vehicle 100 may have multiple ECUs 306 located at various locations around vehicle 100 and communicatively connected by vehicle data bus 308. In the illustrated example, ECU 306 includes a lighting control unit 318, a door control unit 320, an engine control unit 322, a climate control unit 326, and an audio control unit 328. For example, lighting control unit 318 may operate exterior lighting 116 and / or interior lighting 118 of vehicle 100, door control unit 320 operates (e.g., locks, unlocks, pre-adjusts) power locks on doors 120 of vehicle 100, engine control unit 322 controls remote starting of an engine of vehicle 100, climate control unit 326 controls an HVAC system of vehicle 100, and audio control unit 328 controls a vehicle audio system.

[0044] The vehicle data bus 308 communicatively connects the communications module 106, the GPS receiver 114, the vehicle control module 302, the sensors 304, and the ECU 306. In some examples, the vehicle data bus 308 includes one or more data buses. The vehicle data bus 308 may be implemented according to a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol as defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO) 11898-1, a Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus protocol, a CAN-Flexible Data (CAN-FD) bus protocol (ISO 11898-7) and / or a K-line bus protocol (ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1), and / or an Ethernet™ bus protocol IEEE 802.3 (2002 or later), etc.

[0045] According to various aspects, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system including a wireless key 404 in communication with a vehicle 400. According to various aspects, the wireless key 404 may be similar to the wireless key 104 (see FIG. 1 ). According to various aspects, the vehicle 400 may be similar to the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1 ). The wireless key 404 may collect biometric data, such as the user's physical movement data or physiological information, from the user 402 and transmit the physiological information to the vehicle 400. The wireless key 404 may communicate with the vehicle 400 via a network 415. According to various aspects, the network 415 may be similar to the network 115 (see FIG. 1 ). The wireless key 404 may communicate with the vehicle 400 directly (e.g., via Bluetooth, BTLE, LTE, 5G (or nG), etc.) or via a cloud 490 to proactively adjust dynamic vehicle settings to enhance user experience and comfort.

[0046] The wireless key 404 may include a gyro sensor 412 for motion information, a GPS sensor 418 for location information, and one or more biometric sensors 420 for heart rate information, body temperature, and external temperature and sound (via a microphone). In various embodiments, the biometric sensor 420 is a touch sensor capable of measuring the driver's body temperature. For example, the biometric sensor 420 may include a touch-sensitive area on the wireless key 404 where the driver's thumb or finger naturally rests when holding the wireless key 404. The wireless key 404 may detect the driver's heart rate and physical movement and provide a welcome light, adjust the vehicle cabin temperature, and / or perform another cabin pre-conditioning action according to the driver's physical condition. For example, FIG. 5 shows an example temperature control curve 500. The temperature control curve 500 may be stored, for example, as a table, in the memory 312 (see FIG. 3) to control the vehicle's interior temperature. As illustrated by temperature control curve 500, vehicle preconditioning 124 may target a lower (cooler) cabin temperature (and / or adjust fan speed and / or direction) when the user's heart rate increases, and conversely, vehicle preconditioning 124 may target a higher (warmer) cabin temperature (and / or adjust fan speed and / or direction) when the user's heart rate decreases. It should be understood that the same principles may be applied based on the user's body temperature (e.g., by targeting a cooler temperature in response to a detected increase in body temperature and targeting a warmer temperature in response to a detected decrease in body temperature). Other examples include using rotational, translational, and / or other direct and indirect sensors to trigger changes in the vehicle's interior and / or exterior environment, such as cabin temperature, cabin lighting level and frequency, cabin scent, air direction, window transparency, seat position, and / or general audio settings. Thus, the vehicle 400 may affect the advanced vehicle cabin / cockpit experience based on the psychological and / or physical state of the user 402 .

[0047] 6 illustrates an exemplary wireless key 604 having a lock button 610, an unlock button 612, and a pre-condition button 614. In response to a driver pressing the lock button 610, a signal may be transmitted from the wireless key 604 to the vehicle 600 via a network 615 to lock the vehicle doors. In response to a driver pressing the unlock button 612, a signal may be transmitted from the wireless key 604 to the vehicle 600 via a network 615 to unlock the vehicle doors. In response to a driver pressing the pre-condition button 614, a signal including the user's current biometric data and / or location may be transmitted from the wireless key 604 to the vehicle 600 via a network 615 to pre-condition the vehicle 600 based on the biometric data and / or location.

[0048] 4 and 6 in combination, the wireless key 604 lacks a pre-conditioning button 614 and automatically prompts the vehicle 400 to pre-condition the vehicle based on the user's movement and / or location. For example, the wireless key 604 may transmit a signal to the vehicle 400 indicating the user's movement (e.g., using the gyro sensor 412) and / or the user's location (e.g., using the GPS sensor 418). In this manner, the vehicle 400 may determine that the user is approaching the vehicle 400 and / or determine the user's arrival time to activate pre-conditioning of the vehicle 400. In various embodiments, the vehicle 400 determines that the user is approaching by detecting that the wireless key is within proximity range of the vehicle 100 (e.g., see FIG. 1). In various embodiments, the vehicle 400 determines that the user is approaching based on GPS sensor data. The vehicle 400 may pre-condition itself without unlocking the vehicle doors for safety purposes.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method 700 for preconditioning a vehicle based on geometric data and / or location of a wireless key user. The flowchart of FIG. 7 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 204 of FIG. 2 and / or memory 312 of FIG. 3) and may include one or more programs that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 202 of FIG. 2 and / or processor 310 of FIG. 3), cause the wireless key 104 to implement the example biometric determiner 210 of FIG. 2 and / or the vehicle 100 to implement the example vehicle preconditioner 124 of FIGS. 1 and 3. Although the example programs are described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, numerous other ways of implementing the example biometric determiner 210 and / or the example vehicle preconditioner 124 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, removed, and / or combined to perform the method 700. Furthermore, because the method 700 is disclosed in conjunction with the components of FIGS. 1-3, the functions of some of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0050] Initially, at block 702, the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100 broadcasts a beacon. At block 704, the communication module 206 of the wireless key 104 collects the beacon. For example, the communication module 206 collects the beacon upon entering the proximity range 108 of the vehicle 100. At block 706, the biometric determiner 210 of the wireless key 104 determines wireless key data. For example, the biometric determiner 210 determines biometric data of the user of the wireless key 104 (e.g., heart rate, temperature, etc.) collected from one or more of the sensors 208 of the wireless key 104. The biometric determiner 210 may determine location data of the wireless key 104 (e.g., the location of the wireless key 104) based on the data collected from one or more of the sensors 208 of the wireless key 104. The biometric determiner 210 may determine velocity data (e.g., speed and manner of movement) of the wireless key 104 based on data collected from one or more of the sensors 208 of the wireless key 104. At block 708, the biometric determiner 210 identifies whether there is other wireless key data to be determined. If the biometric determiner 210 identifies that there is other data, blocks 706, 708 are repeated until no more wireless key data remains to be determined.

[0051] At block 710, the communication module 206 of the wireless key 104 generates a signal 112 to include the wireless key data and transmits the signal 112 to the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100. At block 712, the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100 receives the signal 112 from the wireless key 104. In various embodiments, the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100 may determine the distance between the vehicle 100 and the wireless key 104 based on the signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of the signal 112. In various aspects, the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100 may determine the distance between the vehicle 100 and the wireless key 104 based on GPS data received from the wireless key 104.

[0052] At block 714, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 collects vehicle data from the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may determine the date and time and / or ambient brightness (e.g., daytime, dusk, dawn, nighttime, etc.) to help determine interior lighting settings, audio settings, etc. The vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may determine orientation data for the vehicle 100 based on data collected from the GPS receiver 114 and / or one or more of the sensors 304 of the vehicle 100. At block 716, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 identifies whether there is other vehicle data that should be collected. If the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 identifies that there is other vehicle data, blocks 714, 716 are repeated until no more vehicle data remains to be determined.

[0053] At block 718, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 determines whether the wireless key 104 is approaching the vehicle 100. In response to determining that the wireless key 104 is not approaching the vehicle 100, the method 700 returns to block 702. In response to determining that the wireless key 104 is approaching the vehicle 100, the method 700 proceeds to block 720. In various embodiments, at block 718, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may determine whether the wireless key 104 is approaching the vehicle 100 by determining whether the vehicle pre-conditioning button 514 has been actuated.

[0054] At block 720, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 determines an arrival time of the user 102 at the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 determines the arrival time based on speed data of the wireless key 104. In some examples, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may compare the arrival time to a first predetermined threshold. For example, if the user 102 is traveling slowly such that the user 102 does not arrive at the vehicle 100 before the first predetermined threshold (e.g., the arrival time is longer than the predetermined threshold), the method 700 returns to block 702 such that the communication module 106 of the vehicle 100 may broadcast another beacon (block 702) and subsequently receive additional wireless key data from the wireless key 104 (block 712).

[0055] At block 722, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 pre-conditions the vehicle 100 for the user 102. For example, the vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may pre-condition the vehicle 100 by activating the exterior lights 116 and / or the interior lights 118, etc. The vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may pre-condition the vehicle 100 by adjusting the vehicle's climate control settings. The vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may pre-condition the vehicle 100 by adjusting the vehicle's audio settings. The vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 may pre-condition the vehicle 100 by adjusting various vehicle settings (e.g., cabin temperature, cabin lighting level and frequency, cabin scent, air direction, window transparency, seat position, and general audio settings).

[0056] In one example, a vehicle's ventilation system may be controlled by sensors on the wireless key, adjusting the direction and intensity of airflow based on the key's position relative to the vehicle and preset user preferences. For example, on a hot day, the system may maximize airflow as the user approaches the vehicle.

[0057] In one example, circadian lighting, which mimics natural light patterns, can significantly enhance the driving experience by aligning with the driver's natural body rhythms. Its implementation in vehicles can support drivers in various ways, improving safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction while traveling. Some use cases include: 1) Increased Alertness During Early Morning and Nighttime Driving. Implement circadian lighting that emits cooler, bluer light during early morning and nighttime driving to help increase alertness and focus. This type of light mimics sunlight and helps suppress melatonin production, which can make drivers feel more awake. 2) Supporting relaxation during long journeys. For long drives, especially during the day, circadian lighting can be shifted to warmer hues to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. This can help reduce stress and make long drives more comfortable. 3) Integration with Vehicle Systems. Circadian lighting can be integrated with other vehicle systems to provide an overall environment that supports driver satisfaction. For example, lighting can coordinate with audio or temperature controls for a comprehensive approach to comfort and alertness. 4) Driver personalization: Allowing drivers to personalize lighting settings according to their preferences and requirements. This may include adjusting lighting intensity transitions, ensuring that each driver can create an environment that best supports their rhythm.

[0058] Rotation and / or movement sensors can detect when a driver is approaching the vehicle during darker hours and automatically adjust cabin lighting to a preset brightness and color temperature for comfort and safety. Lighting can also be programmed to adjust at a frequency for warning purposes, such as a gentle pulse to signal that the vehicle is being locked or unlocked.

[0059] In one example, smart windows equipped with electrochromic technology can be controlled via a wireless key: when a user approaches, the window can automatically adjust its tint for privacy or climate control purposes.

[0060] In one example, a wireless key can communicate with a vehicle to adjust the seat position according to the approaching user's preset preferences. This personalization can be enhanced by rotation and translation sensors that initiate the adjustment process as soon as the user is detected moving toward the vehicle.

[0061] In one example, a vehicle's audio system may automatically adjust to a user's preferred settings, such as radio station, volume, and sound equalization, based on the presence of a wireless key. Movement toward the vehicle may prompt the system to begin playing the user's favorite music or news station as the user enters the vehicle. Unlocking the vehicle with a wireless key may cause the vehicle's audio system to retrieve the driver's preferred music playlist and sound settings (such as bass and treble).

[0062] The system may use data from the vehicle's speedometer and external noise sensors (e.g., traffic noise, rain) to automatically adjust the volume of the audio output. For example, as the vehicle accelerates and external noise increases, the volume may automatically increase to maintain audio clarity without requiring manual adjustment by the driver.

[0063] Leveraging the wireless key's biometric capabilities, such as measuring the driver's heart rate or stress level, the audio system may suggest or automatically play music that matches the driver's mood or stress level. For example, calming music may be played if the driver's stress level is high, or more powerful music may be played if the driver's heart rate indicates that the driver is sleepy to help maintain alertness.

[0064] 8A shows a user 102 with a wireless key 104 located outside a defined preset zone 850. The preset zone 850 may be defined within a predetermined radius of the vehicle 100. The preset zone 850 may be any suitable distance from the vehicle 100 depending on numerous factors, such as the time of day, the location of the vehicle, etc. According to various aspects, the preset zone 850 may be set to a zone where the user 102 is approaching the vehicle and / or is expected to enter the vehicle 100 soon, e.g., within one minute, five minutes, or ten minutes, in response to the wireless key 104 entering the preset zone 850. In various embodiments, the vehicle preset unit 124 (see FIG. 1 ) may use a combination of the preset zone 850 and the user's real-time speed and direction to determine whether to initiate a preset for the vehicle 100.

[0065] 8B shows user 102 with wireless key 104 located inside pre-conditioning zone 850. In response to detecting that wireless key 104 has entered pre-conditioning zone 850, vehicle pre-conditioning unit 124 (see FIG. 1 ) may initiate pre-conditioning of vehicle 100 as described herein.

[0066] As an example of the system of the present disclosure, a user, Kate, may leave the gym after an intense workout. Using the location of the wireless key, her vehicle may recognize that she is on her way to the vehicle. The wireless key may communicate to the vehicle that Kate's body temperature is high and her heart rate is elevated. The vehicle may pre-condition the vehicle by targeting the optimal temperature for her and running the air conditioning so that the air is already cooling the interior of the vehicle when she enters. Kate begins to cool down due to the cool temperature inside her vehicle. As she becomes more comfortable, the wireless key may continue to signal her body temperature to the vehicle, slowly increasing the temperature from a cold gust to a lesser, cooler breeze. Kate can still set the temperature herself if she wishes, but Kate drives all the way home from the gym in comfort without having to manually adjust the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0067] In another example, when user John heads to work, his vehicle's preconditioning system may provide a different ambiance, including music. The vehicle preconditioning system may provide brighter lighting and provide uplifting music. In contrast, when returning home after a long workday, the vehicle preconditioning may make the interior lighting softer or gentler (i.e., dimmer and / or more yellow) and relaxing music may be played.

[0068] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Accordingly, the terms employed throughout should be read as non-limiting. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of minor modifications to the teachings herein, but it should be understood that what is intended to be limited within the scope of the patent granted herein are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art to which this specification contributes, and that the scope should not be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: A wireless key, determining at least one of a location of the wireless key and biometric data of a user of the wireless key; a wireless key configured to transmit a signal including the at least one of the location of the wireless key and the biometric data of the user of the wireless key; A vehicle, receiving the signal from the wireless key; a vehicle configured to precondition the vehicle based on the signal; A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless key includes a biometric sensor configured to measure the biometric data of the user.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the biometric data includes at least one of the user's heart rate and the user's body temperature.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the wireless key further includes a GPS, whereby the wireless key is configured to determine the location of the wireless key.

5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the wireless key further includes a gyro sensor, whereby the wireless key is configured to determine the user's movements.

6. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wireless key further includes a preset button, the wireless key configured to transmit the signal in response to the user activating the preset button.

7. The advance adjustment of the vehicle based on the signal includes: Interior lighting of the vehicle; the climate control of said vehicle; or The system of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting at least one of the vehicle's audio settings.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein adjusting the interior lighting of the vehicle includes adjusting a color of the interior lighting.

9. the signal includes the location of the wireless key; The vehicle further comprises: determining that the wireless key is in proximity to the vehicle; The system of claim 1 , configured to precondition the vehicle in response to determining that the wireless key is in proximity to the vehicle.

10. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: A communication module, Prompts the wireless key to broadcast a beacon and send a signal, a communications module configured to receive the signal from the wireless key, the signal including biometric data of a user of the wireless key; A vehicle advance adjustment unit, determining a desired vehicle state based on the biometric data; a vehicle preconditioning unit configured to precondition the vehicle to the desired vehicle condition; A vehicle equipped with:

11. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the desired vehicle condition is at least one of a climate control setting, a lighting setting, and an audio setting.

12. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the biometric data includes at least one of the user's heart rate and the user's body temperature.

13. The pre-conditioning of the vehicle based on the biometric data comprises: Interior lighting of the vehicle; the climate control of said vehicle; or The vehicle of claim 10, including adjusting at least one of the vehicle's audio settings.

14. The vehicle of claim 13 , wherein adjusting the interior lighting of the vehicle includes adjusting a color of the interior lighting.

15. The vehicle pre-adjustment unit further configured to determine whether the wireless key is within a preset zone of the vehicle; 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the pre-conditioning of the vehicle to the desired vehicle condition occurs in response to the vehicle pre-conditioning unit determining that the wireless key is within the pre-conditioning zone of the vehicle.

16. receiving, via a vehicle communication module, a signal from a wireless key containing biometric data of a user of the wireless key; pre-conditioning the vehicle based on the biometric data of the user; A method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising measuring a physiological condition of the user with a biometric sensor of the wireless key, the physiological condition of the user being included in the biometric data.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the physiological condition of the user includes at least one of the user's heart rate or the user's body temperature.

19. The advance adjustment of the vehicle includes: adjusting the interior lighting of said vehicle; regulating the interior cabin temperature of the vehicle; and 17. The method of claim 16, comprising at least one of adjusting audio settings of the vehicle.

20. further comprising detecting the location of the user using a GPS of the wireless key; The method of claim 16 , wherein the pre-conditioning of the vehicle based on the biometric data of the user is further based on the location of the user.

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