Method for selectively opening at least one vehicle entrance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for selectively opening at least one entrance (2) of a vehicle (1) using an ID transmitter (3) having an authorization ID for vehicle access. For at least one of the at least one entrance (2) of the vehicle (1), a relevant trigger zone (100) is set in the vehicle (1), a vector (101) representing the moving direction of the ID transmitter (3) is obtained, and when a line (102) obtained by extending the vector (101) straight collides with the trigger zone (100) relevant to the entrance (2), the entrance (2) is opened, whereby a simplified and more accurate selective opening is performed. The present invention further relates to a computer program product designed to execute the present method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for selectively opening at least one entrance of a vehicle using an ID transmitter. The present invention further relates to a computer program product for executing the method.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles usually have two or more entrances, such as doors, hatchback doors, trunk lids, etc., that allow entry into the vehicle. To prevent unauthorized and / or unwanted entry into the vehicle, this type of entrance is usually locked. Therefore, in order to allow an authorized user to enter the vehicle, the corresponding entrance needs to be unlocked and opened.

[0003] To enable non-contact unlocking of the entrance by the user, it is known that the user carries an ID transmitter. The ID transmitter contains an authorization ID for vehicle access. When the distance between the ID transmitter and the vehicle falls below a threshold value, the vehicle is unlocked.

[0004] The corresponding method is known from German Patent Application Publication No. 10341286. German Patent Application Publication No. 10341286 describes an access control system for a vehicle that functions based on radio waves. When the vehicle and the transmitter carried by the user can communicate with each other via radio waves, the vehicle is unlocked.

[0005] From Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-178506, it is known to identify the moving direction of the ID transmitter relative to the vehicle and open the vehicle entrance when a component approaches the entrance in that moving direction.

[0006] Another way for a function to operate depending on movement is known from DE 10 2016 206 067 A1, DE 10 2013 220 240 A1, US 2016 / 0001742 A1, DE 10 2019 135 130 A1, DE 10 2019 114 917 A1 and DE 10 2010 010 057 A1.

[0007] US 2020 / 0314651 A1 describes a system for accessing various doors in a building. In this system, a user carries an ID transmitter, and each door is assigned a reading unit for communicating with the ID transmitter. When the user passes in front of the reading unit associated with a door with the ID transmitter, it is identified that the user does not wish to enter the associated door, and it is assumed that the user is trying to open another door. Subsequently, unlocking of another door is prepared. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a method for selectively opening at least one entrance of a vehicle and a computer program product for executing the method, and particularly aims to provide an improved embodiment or at least another embodiment that eliminates drawbacks from the prior art. In particular, the present invention aims to provide an improved embodiment or at least another embodiment for the method and the computer program product, which is characterized by improved simplicity and reliability. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0009] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention is based on the general idea of representing the moving direction of an authorized user by a vector, and by extending the vector, predicting whether the user is moving towards the direction of the vehicle entrance and, in that case, whether an attempt is being made to open this entrance. By using a vector, it is not necessary to complexly and time - consumingly determine the overall movement trajectory of the user, so this method can be easily implemented. Furthermore, by using a vector, the deviations that naturally occur in the user's movement to the destination, i.e., the corresponding entrance here, are automatically and inherently considered, as a result, this method is surely carried out, and thus the opening of the corresponding entrance is surely carried out. The latter also improves the comfort of the user.

[0011] In accordance with the concept of the present invention, in the present invention, the user carries an ID transmitter. The ID transmitter has an authorization ID for vehicle access. The vehicle has at least one entrance. Here, for at least one of the at least one entrance of the vehicle, a related trigger zone is set in the vehicle. Further, with respect to the ID transmitter, a vector representing the moving direction of the ID transmitter is obtained. The vector is extended by a straight line. When this line intersects at least one of the at least one trigger zone, the entrance related to the trigger zone is selectively opened.

[0012] Since the vector extends straight, it may be referred to as a direction vector. The straight path (course) of the vector improves the simplified and reliable opening of the corresponding related entrance as described above.

[0013] When a vehicle has two or more entrances and at least two of these entrances each have a related trigger zone set, the trigger zones of the two entrances may overlap in an overlapping area. This is usually the case for consecutive and / or directly adjacent entrances. In such cases, especially when there is an intersection of a line and the overlapping area, the two entrances related to the overlapping area are opened. Therefore, when the line intersects at least one of the at least one trigger zone, the entrance related to the at least one trigger zone is opened. This improves the comfort of the user.

[0014] Here, "selective" opening means, in particular, that in response to the intersection of the line, only at least one related entrance is opened, while the remaining entrances (if any) remain closed.

[0015] Here, the "opening" or "being opened" of an entrance is understood to be the unlocking of the entrance. Also, the opening of the entrance is considered to include mechanically opening the entrance, for example using a motor or an actuator.

[0016] Here, the "closing" or "being closed" of an entrance is understood to be the locking of the entrance. Closing is considered to include mechanically closing the entrance, for example using a motor or an actuator.

[0017] Access to and / or entry into the interior space of the vehicle is possible through each entrance of the vehicle. Therefore, each entrance may be a door or a trunk lid, in particular a so-called "frunk".

[0018] The ID transmitter is usually an object carried by the user. Therefore, the ID transmitter may be a vehicle key, a mobile phone, a card, etc.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, based on the vector, it is identified whether the ID transmitter is approaching the vehicle, and the extension of the line is executed only when the ID transmitter is approaching the vehicle. This takes into account the fact that the user, and thus the ID transmitter being carried, is intending to enter the vehicle only when approaching the vehicle. Thereby, the reliability of the method is improved. At the same time, unnecessary specification of the line is avoided, so the method is simplified and executed while saving resources.

[0020] The identification of approach based on the vector can, in principle, be performed in any way.

[0021] Advantageously, in order to identify the approach using the vector, the angle of the vector with respect to the direction extending across the Z-axis of the vehicle is determined, and based on that angle, it is identified whether the ID transmitter is approaching the vehicle. Thus, in combination with the vector, a simple and reliable identification of the approach is performed. Here, in particular, the angle of the vector with respect to the X-axis of the vehicle is determined.

[0022] In addition to determining the angle, it is preferable that the position or orientation and / or direction of the vector with respect to the vehicle, particularly with respect to each entrance, are also identified and considered for identifying the approach. Thus, the accuracy of identifying the approach is improved.

[0023] The identification of the approach advantageously includes distinguishing whether the ID transmitter, and thus the user, is approaching the vehicle or moving away from the vehicle.

[0024] In particular, the identification of the approach includes the identification of each entrance, particularly the path of the vector parallel to the X-axis. In that kind of parallel path, preferably, the approach is not identified. Here, the knowledge that that kind of parallel path usually exists when the corresponding user moves past the vehicle without moving towards the entrance is utilized. Thus, the simplicity and reliability of the method are improved.

[0025] In the present application, the "axis" of a vehicle is understood to be the axis in the vehicle coordinate system.

[0026] Advantageously, based on a vector, it is identified whether the ID transmitter is moving away from the vehicle, in particular from at least one entrance. When the ID transmitter is moving away from the vehicle or the entrance, at least one of the at least one entrances is closed. In particular, it is identified whether the ID transmitter is moving away from each entrance, and if so, the corresponding entrance is closed. Thus, the reliability and comfort of the method are improved.

[0027] In principle, the vector can be obtained in any way.

[0028] It has been found advantageous that in an embodiment, the relative position of the ID transmitter with respect to the vehicle is periodically determined to obtain a vector, and the vector is obtained from the last relative position. This last relative position is understood to be the last relative position over time. Thereby, obtaining the vector is simplified, and thus the implementation of the method is simplified. Further, in this way, a situation where the ID transmitter first moves in the direction of the vehicle and then, in contrast, moves away from the vehicle or moves parallel to the vehicle is simplified and identified in real time (quickly). As a result, the reliability of the method is improved.

[0029] Obtaining the vector from the last determined relative position can be done in any way.

[0030] It is conceivable to obtain the vector by interpolation of the last determined relative position. In particular, it is conceivable to obtain the vector by linear interpolation of the relative positions and / or by interpolation using the least squares method. Thereby, the vector is obtained simply, accurately, and reliably, and thus the simplicity and reliability of the method are correspondingly improved.

[0031] It is conceivable to use the last determined relative position of the ID transmitter as the tip of the determined vector.

[0032] Determining a vector, and in particular the relative position of the ID transmitter with respect to the vehicle, is preferably carried out in a contactless manner.

[0033] Advantageously, determining a vector and the relative position of the ID transmitter with respect to the vehicle are carried out using electromagnetic waves, in particular radio.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the respective relative positions of the ID transmitters with respect to the vehicle, and thus the vectors, are determined using ultra-wideband. This improves the accuracy of determining the relative position and thus the vector. Furthermore, in a vehicle, an ultra-wideband module is usually provided, so no further signal transmission is required to implement this method. Therefore, this method is simplified.

[0035] For this purpose, the vehicle has at least one wireless module, in particular an ultra-wideband module, that interacts with, in particular communicates with, the ID transmitter, so that the relative position of the ID transmitter with respect to the vehicle is identified and determined.

[0036] Determining a vector or the relative position of the ID transmitter using electromagnetic waves, in particular ultra-wideband, depends on the reach of the corresponding wave. Therefore, determining a vector is only carried out when there is a sufficiently high interaction with the corresponding wave. It is advantageous to implement this method only when the reach and / or signal strength of the wave exceeds a predetermined value. Therefore, the reliability of this method is improved.

[0037] Determining the relative position and / or identifying the intersection of the lines can be done in any way.

[0038] Advantageously, the intersection is identified using triangulation. For this purpose, for example, triangulation can be carried out using vectors and angles.

[0039] Advantageously, the respective relative positions of the ID transmitters with respect to the vehicle are determined using triangulation. For this purpose, the vehicle has, among other things, at least two wireless modules.

[0040] It is conceivable to open each inlet immediately after the line intersects the relevant trigger zone.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, furthermore, at least one, preferably each, of the inlets inside the inlet is opened only when the distance from the tip of the vector to the vehicle is below a predetermined threshold value, particularly in the region of the relevant trigger zone. That is, at least one, preferably each, of the inlets inside the inlet is opened when the line intersects the trigger zone and furthermore the distance is below the threshold value. Thereby, in particular, the early opening of the inlet is prevented. Also, this prevents the inlet from being opened unnecessarily when the ID transmitter is away from the inlet and exceeds the threshold value. Therefore, the accuracy of the method is also improved.

[0042] It is preferred that at least the relevant inlet is closed when the threshold value is exceeded, i.e., when the tip of the vector or the ID transmitter exceeds the distance to the vehicle in the region of the inlet.

[0043] The threshold value is advantageously defined with respect to the outer shell of the vehicle. Therefore, the distance with respect to the outer shell of the vehicle is also defined.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the threshold value corresponds to a radius starting from a central point arranged on the outer shell of the vehicle. The central point is preferably arranged in the region of the relevant trigger zone, particularly within the trigger zone. This simplifies the implementation of the method and also improves the accuracy.

[0045] In principle, it is conceivable to determine or specify the distance, and thus the threshold value, the vector and the relative position in three-dimensional space.

[0046] The simplification of the method is achieved by the fact that at least one trigger zone, vector, and line are determined simply in two dimensions in a plane extending in a direction transverse to the Z-axis of the vehicle or in a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis of the vehicle. This not only simplifies the method but also results in a resource-saving implementation.

[0047] Preferably, the vector, line, and at least one trigger zone are set, or specified, or determined in a plane extending in a direction transverse to the Z-axis of the vehicle, in particular in the plane spanned by the Y-axis and the X-axis. That is, at least one trigger zone, vector, and line are set, or determined and specified, only in the plan view of the vehicle. This further simplifies the method and also improves the accuracy.

[0048] There may be different ID transmitters for the same vehicle, in which case each ID transmitter can be understood to have a permission ID for a predetermined entrance or for just one entrance. In this case, the opening is only performed if the corresponding permission ID exists.

[0049] The method according to the invention is performed, inter alia, using a suitably configured computer program product (computer program).

[0050] The computer program product advantageously includes instructions readable by a computer system such that the computer system performs the method when the computer program product is executed.

[0051] The computer program product is advantageously stored in a memory system having at least one non-volatile memory.

[0052] The computer program product is also understood to belong to the scope of the invention.

[0053] The method, in particular the computer program product, is advantageously at least partly executed in a vehicle. For this purpose, the vehicle is designed. For example, the vehicle can have a computer system at least partly.

[0054] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the corresponding description based on the drawings.

[0055] It should be understood that the features described above, and the features further described below, can be used not only in the combinations shown, without departing from the scope of the invention, but also in other combinations or alone.

[0056] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below, and the same reference numerals represent the same or similar, or functionally identical components.

[0057] Here, the following is schematically described in the drawings respectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0058]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0059] As shown simplified in FIGS. 1 to 4, the vehicle 1 has at least one entrance 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 1 has a total of six such entrances 2 by way of example only. Four of those entrances 2 are the doors 4 of the vehicle 1. Two of the entrances 2 are the trunk lids 5 of the vehicle 1. Those trunk lids 5 are arranged opposite each other along the X-axis AX of the vehicle 1. Two of each of the doors 4 are arranged opposite each other along the Y-axis AY of the vehicle 1 and are also arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis AX. FIGS. 2 to 4 each show a part of FIG. 1, and in each figure, only two of the doors 4 adjacent to each other along the X-axis AX are visible. Here, by way of example only, it is assumed that the door 4 located forward along the X-axis is the driver's door 4, 4a of the vehicle 1.

[0060] Entry into the interior space of the vehicle 1 through the entrance 2 is carried out using the ID transmitter 2 shown only simplified in FIG. 1. Here, the ID transmitter 2 has an authority ID for vehicle access.

[0061] In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 1, at least one relevant trigger zone 100 is set in the vehicle 1 for each entrance 2. In the illustrated embodiment, by way of example only, a relevant trigger zone 100 is set for each entrance 2. Each trigger zone 100 is set on the outer shell 6 of the vehicle 1 in the region of the relevant entrance 2 and furthermore in the region of a gripping part not shown in the illustrated embodiment. Using the trigger zone 100, selective opening of at least one entrance 2 is carried out in the illustrated embodiment of each entrance 2. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10.

[0062] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 4, in order to selectively open the inlet 2, a vector 101 representing the moving direction of the ID transmitter 3 (not shown in FIGS. 2 to 10) is required. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done by periodically determining the relative position 104 of the ID transmitter 3 with respect to the vehicle 1. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the relative position 104 is symbolically represented by dots (symbolized by dots). In the illustrated embodiment, the relative position 104 of the ID transmitter 3 with respect to the vehicle 1 is determined using ultra-wideband. The vector 101 is determined from the last relative position 104 over time, for example, by interpolation of the last determined relative position 104. Since the vector 101 thus determined is straight and has one direction, it can also be referred to as the direction vector 101. The vector 101 is extended by a straight line 102 that is symbolically (symbolized) represented by a dashed line in FIGS. 2 to 4. When this line intersects one of the trigger zones 100, the inlet 2 related to that trigger zone 100 is selectively opened. In the illustrated embodiment, the collision region 103 in the vehicle 1 of the extended line 102 is identified. If there is an intersection between the collision region 103 and one of the trigger zones 100, the related inlet 2 is opened. Here, the intersection or the collision region 103 can be identified using triangulation.

[0063] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, line 102 intersects the trigger zone 100 associated with the driver's door 4, 4a. As a result, the driver's door 4, 4a is opened. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, in the illustrated embodiment, in order to open each entrance 2, a further prerequisite (prerequisite condition, requirement), namely, the distance from the vehicle 1 to the tip 105 of the vector 101 must be less than a predetermined distance 106. That is, the line 102 intersects the trigger zone 100 associated with the entrance 2, and further, each entrance 2 is opened only when the distance 106 of the tip 105 of the vector 101 to the vehicle 1 is less than a predetermined threshold 107. As can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, this threshold 107 corresponds to a radius 108 starting from a center point (not shown) arranged on the outer shell 6 of the vehicle 1. Further, as can be seen from each figure, the center point (not shown) is arranged in the area within the relevant trigger zone 100. The distance 106 of the vector 101 shown in FIG. 2 is suggested by the red semi-circle and is greater than the threshold 107 or the radius 108. Therefore, at this distance 106, the entrance 2, that is, the driver's door 4, 4a here, is not yet opened. At the distance 106 shown in FIG. 3, as can also be seen from the red semi-circle, the distance 106 corresponds to the threshold 107. In FIG. 3, further, since the line 102 intersects the trigger zone 100 of the driver's door 4, 4a, the driver's door 4, 4a is opened from this distance 106 and thus is below the threshold 107. The opening of each entrance 2 includes unlocking the entrance 2. Further, this opening may include mechanically opening the entrance 2 using, for example, a motor not shown.

[0064] As suggested in the example of FIG. 4, the trigger zones 100 of the two entrances 2 may overlap in the overlapping region 109. When the line 102 intersects the overlapping region 109, in the illustrated embodiment, the two entrances 2 are opened.

[0065] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ID transmitter 3, and thus the user (not shown) carrying the ID transmitter 3, is approaching the vehicle 1, and as a result, the above-described opening of at least one of the entrances 2 is performed. Such identification of the approach is performed based on the vector 101. At this time, the identification of the intersection of the line 102 and at least one trigger zone 100 is performed only when the ID transmitter 3 approaches the vehicle 1. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle α of the vector 101 with respect to the X-axis AX of the vehicle 1 is obtained with respect to the direction extending across the Z-axis AZ of the vehicle 1, and in the illustrated embodiment, based on this angle α, it is identified whether the ID transmitter 3 is approaching the vehicle 1. FIGS. 5 to 10 show various angles α of the vector 101 with respect to the X-axis AX clockwise. Therefore, with respect to the driver's doors 4, 4a, it can be easily understood that the angles α shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 mean approach, while the angles α shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 mean the translation of the ID transmitter 3 with respect to the driver's doors 4, 4a. The angles α shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 mean moving away from the driver's doors 4, 4a. Here, particularly in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is also necessary to consider the attitude of the vector 101 or the direction of the vector 101 with respect to the vehicle 1.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, when it is confirmed using the vector 101 that the ID transmitter 3 is moving away from the corresponding entrance 2, the entrance 2 is closed. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, when the distance 106 exceeds the threshold value 107, the entrance 2 is closed. Here, the closing of each entrance 2 includes locking the entrance 2. Further, the closing of each entrance 2 may include mechanically closing it, for example, using a motor (not shown).

[0067] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, setting at least one trigger zone 100, obtaining the vector 101 and the line 102, identifying the intersection, and obtaining the angle α are performed two-dimensionally only in a plane including the Z-axis AZ as the normal, and thus in a plan view.

[0068] By the method according to the invention, the implementation of the selective opening of the inlet 2 is simplified and, at the same time, the reliability is improved.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the method is carried out using a correspondingly designed computer program product. The computer program product can be stored, at least in part, in the vehicle 1 and / or can be executed in the vehicle 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0070]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Patent Document 8

Patent Document 9

Claims

1. A method for selectively opening at least one entrance (2) of a vehicle (1) using an ID transmitter (3) having an authorization ID for vehicle access, wherein: - For at least one of the at least one entrance (2) of the vehicle (1), a related trigger zone (100) is set in the region of the gripping part of the entrance (2) on the outer shell (6) of the vehicle (1); - A vector (101) representing the moving direction of the ID transmitter (3) is obtained; - The vector (101) is extended by a straight line (102); - A collision region (103) of the extended line (102) on the vehicle (1) is identified; - When the collision region (103) intersects at least one of the at least one trigger zone (100), the entrance (2) related to the at least one trigger zone is opened. A method characterized by the above.

2. Based on the vector (101), it is identified whether the ID transmitter (3) is approaching the vehicle (1), and the line (102) is specified only when the ID transmitter (3) is approaching the vehicle (1). A method according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. A direction extending across the Z-axis (AZ) of the vehicle (1), in particular an angle (α) of the vector (101) with respect to the X-axis (AX) of the vehicle (1) is obtained, and based on the angle (α), it is identified whether the ID transmitter (3) is approaching the vehicle (1). A method according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. Based on the vector (101), it is identified whether the ID transmitter (3) is moving away from at least one entrance (2). When the ID transmitter (3) is moving away from the at least one entrance (2), at least the at least one entrance (2) is closed. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. - The relative position (104) of the ID transmitter (3) with respect to the vehicle (1) is periodically obtained; - The vector (101) is obtained from the last relative position (104). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The vector (101) is obtained by interpolation of the last obtained relative position (104). A method according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. The relative position (104) of the ID transmitter (3) with respect to the vehicle (1) is determined using ultra-wideband A method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that

8. The intersection is identified using triangulation A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

9. Additionally, when the distance (106) from the tip (105) of the vector (101) to the associated trigger zone (100) falls below a predetermined threshold (107), at least one of the at least one inlet (2) is opened A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

10. The threshold (107) corresponds to a radius (108) starting from a central point arranged on the outer shell (6) of the vehicle (1) A method according to claim 9, characterized in that

11. - The trigger zones (100) of two inlets (2) overlap in an overlapping region (109), - When the line (102) intersects the overlapping region (109), the two inlets (2) are opened A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that

12. The at least one trigger zone (100), the vector (101) and the line (102) are determined simply two-dimensionally in a plane extending transversely to the Z-axis (AZ) of the vehicle (1), or in a plane extending inclined with respect to the Z-axis (AZ), preferably in a plane extending transversely to the Z-axis (AZ) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that

13. A computer program product designed to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12

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