Vehicle unlocking method and digital key

Abstract

The present application provides a vehicle unlocking method and a digital key. The vehicle unlocking method includes: an extension device receiving a first command from a digital key carrier device based on a first communication protocol; and the extension device communicating with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command. According to the technical solution provided in the present application, the digital key function can be implemented even for a vehicle when the digital key carrier device does not support the wireless communication technology used by the vehicle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a vehicle unlocking method and a digital key. [Background technology]

[0002] With the continuous development of vehicles, vehicle keys have evolved from physical vehicle keys to the current digital keys. The digital keys provide a function that allows an intelligent terminal to have a "vehicle key" through wireless communication technology (the intelligent terminal can be considered as the vehicle key), thereby allowing users to control the vehicle without relying on the physical vehicle key.

[0003] Wireless communication technologies supported by the vehicle include Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), and low frequency (LF) + radio frequency (RF).

[0004] However, most current intelligent terminals only support wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and near field communication (NFC), and as a result, they currently cannot provide digital key functionality to vehicles that use communication technologies other than BLE and NFC. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a vehicle unlocking method and a digital key for implementing digital key functions in a vehicle when the intelligent terminal does not support the wireless communication technology used by the vehicle.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a vehicle unlocking method applied to a digital key, the method including: an extension device of the digital key receiving a first command from a carrier device of the digital key based on a first communication protocol; and the extension device communicating with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command.

[0007] Specifically, in this application, a digital key carrier device is a device that supports a first communication protocol but not a second communication protocol, a vehicle is a device that supports the second communication protocol, and an extension device is a device that supports both the first and second communication protocols.

[0008] Generally, a carrier device for a digital key is also called a key carrier device.

[0009] In the present application, when an extension device is used, when a key carrier device that does not support a second communication protocol needs to implement a digital key function for a vehicle that supports the second communication protocol, i.e., when the key carrier device that does not support the second communication protocol needs to make the vehicle perform some operations by using the second communication protocol, the key carrier device may send an operation command (also referred to as a first command) to the extension device based on the first communication protocol. Then, the extension device may receive the operation command sent by the key carrier device based on the first communication protocol by using the first communication unit, and in response to the operation command, communicate with the vehicle by using the second communication unit based on the second communication protocol to perform the target operation on the vehicle; in other words, a digital key function is provided for a vehicle that supports the second communication protocol.

[0010] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the second communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

[0011] For example, the wireless communication protocol used for ranging is the UWB ranging protocol.

[0012] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first instruction instructs the augmented device to perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle. The augmented device communicating with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first instruction includes: the augmented device performing the ranging interaction with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first instruction.

[0013] In this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the wireless communication protocol used for ranging, so the key carrier device cannot implement the ranging function with the vehicle. However, the key carrier device sends a command to the extension device to enable the ranging function, and the extension device then completes the ranging function with the vehicle. In this way, the digital key function is provided for vehicles that support the wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

[0014]

[0013] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first command is a remote control command for a vehicle, and the first command carries key information for the vehicle. In response to the first command, the extension device communicating with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol includes: in response to the first command, the extension device transmitting the first command to the vehicle based on the second communication protocol.

[0015] In this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the radio frequency protocol, so the key carrier device cannot directly provide digital key functionality to the vehicle. However, the key carrier device transmits remote control commands to the extension device, which then transmits the remote control commands to the vehicle based on the radio frequency protocol. In this way, digital key functionality is provided for vehicles that support the radio frequency protocol.

[0016] For example, the second communication protocol is a radio frequency protocol.

[0017]

[0013] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method includes: before receiving the first instruction, the extension device transmits first information to the carrier device based on a first communication protocol, the first information indicating that a connection has been established between the extension device and the carrier device.

[0018] In this embodiment, the extension device sends first information to the carrier device of the digital key by using the first communication unit, so that the carrier device of the digital key can know that the current extension device can receive the command sent by using the first communication protocol.

[0019] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method includes: an extension device obtaining electric energy from a carrier device; and an extension device activating the extension device based on the electric energy.

[0020] For example, the extension device obtains electrical energy from the carrier device in at least one of a wired manner, a wireless manner, and a metal contact manner.

[0021] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first communication protocol is the Bluetooth® Low Energy protocol.

[0022] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the carrier device includes a mobile phone or a wearable device.

[0023] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a vehicle unlocking method for a vehicle, the method including: communicating with a digital key extension device based on a second communication protocol; receiving a first command from a digital key carrier device based on the first communication protocol; and communicating with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first command.

[0024] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

[0025]

[0013] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first instructions instruct the augmented device to perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle. Communicating with the augmented device based on the second communication protocol includes: performing a ranging interaction with the augmented device based on the second communication protocol.

[0026] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second communication protocol is an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

[0027]

[0013] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first command is a remote control command for the vehicle, and the first command carries key information for the vehicle. Communicating with the extension device based on the second communication protocol includes: the vehicle receiving the first command transmitted by the extension device based on the second communication protocol and performing an operation indicated by the first command.

[0028] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second communication protocol is a radio frequency protocol.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a digital key. The digital key includes a digital key extension device and a carrier device. The extension device includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit. The first communication unit is configured to receive a first command from the digital key carrier device based on a first communication protocol. The second communication unit is configured to communicate with a vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first command.

[0030] Referring to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

[0031] For example, the wireless communication protocol used for ranging is the UWB ranging protocol.

[0032] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first instruction instructs the extension device to perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle, and the second communication unit is specifically configured to perform the ranging interaction with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first instruction.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first command is a remote control command for a vehicle, and the first command carries key information for the vehicle. The second communication unit is specifically configured to transmit the first command to the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command.

[0034]

[0013] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first communication unit is further configured to, before receiving the first instruction, send first information to the carrier device based on the first communication protocol, wherein the first information indicates that a connection has been established between the extension device and the carrier device.

[0035] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the expansion device further includes a power supply unit configured to obtain electrical energy from the carrier device to start up the expansion device.

[0036] For example, the power supply unit specifically obtains electrical energy from the carrier device in at least one of a wired manner, a wireless manner, and a metal contact manner.

[0037] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first communication protocol is the Bluetooth® Low Energy protocol.

[0038] Referring to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the carrier device includes a mobile phone or a wearable device.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a vehicle including a module configured to perform a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0040] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a digital key system including a digital key according to the third aspect and a vehicle according to the fourth aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of an application scenario according to the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal device according to the present application; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an architecture for implementing digital key functionality in accordance with the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another architecture for implementing digital key functionality in accordance with the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic flow chart of providing digital key functionality to a vehicle that supports RF in accordance with the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic flow chart of providing digital key functionality to a vehicle that supports RF in accordance with the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic flow chart of providing digital key functionality to a rolling shutter door that supports RF according to the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] With the continuous development of vehicles, vehicle keys have evolved from physical vehicle keys to the current digital keys. The digital keys provide a function that allows an intelligent terminal to have a "vehicle key" through wireless communication technology (the intelligent terminal can be considered as the vehicle key), thereby allowing users to control the vehicle without relying on the physical vehicle key.

[0043] For example, Fig. 1 is a diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 1, based on wireless communication technology, when a user needs to perform an operation on a vehicle 102, for example, when the user needs to unlock or lock the vehicle 102, the user may directly unlock or lock the vehicle 102 by using a terminal device 101 without carrying a physical key.

[0044] It should be noted that in this application, the intelligent terminal configured to perform the vehicle key function is also referred to as a digital key carrier device, a key carrier device, or a carrier device.

[0045] It should be further noted here that the specific type of the terminal device 101 shown in Fig. 1 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, the terminal device 101 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer (PC), a smart screen, an artificial intelligence (AI) speaker, or a wearable terminal device such as a smart watch.

[0046] 2 is a diagram of a hardware structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device may include a processor 110, an external memory interface 120, an internal memory 121, a universal serial bus (USB) interface 130, a charging management module 140, a power management module 141, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 150, a wireless communication module 160, an audio module 170, a speaker 170A, a receiver 170B, a microphone 170C, a sensor module 180, a button 190, an indicator 192, a camera 193, a display 194, etc.

[0047] Optionally, the sensor module 180 may include a pressure sensor 180A, a gyroscope sensor 180B, an air pressure sensor 180C, a magnetic sensor 180D, an acceleration sensor 180E, a distance sensor 180F, an optical proximity sensor 180G, a fingerprint sensor 180H, a temperature sensor 180J, a touch sensor 180K, an ambient light sensor 180L, a bone conduction sensor 180M, etc.

[0048] It can be understood that the structure shown in this embodiment of the present application does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device. In some other embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or may combine some components, or may separate some components, or may have a different component arrangement. The components shown in the figure can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0049] The processor 110 may include one or more processing units. The different processing units may be separate components or may be integrated into one or more processors. A memory may also be located within the processor 110, and the memory is configured to store instructions and data.

[0050] The USB interface 130 is an interface that complies with the USB standard specification, and may specifically be a mini USB interface, a micro USB interface, a USB Type-C interface, etc. The USB interface 130 may be configured to connect to a charger to charge the terminal device, to transmit data between the terminal device and a peripheral device, or to connect to a headset to play audio through the headset. The interface may further be configured to connect to another terminal device, such as an AR device.

[0051] The charging management module 140 is configured to receive a charging input from a charger, which may be a wireless charger or a wired charger. The power management module 141 is configured to connect the charging management module 140 to the processor 110.

[0052] The wireless communication function of the terminal device may be implemented via antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, modem processor, baseband processor, etc.

[0053] Antenna 1 and Antenna 2 are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. Antennas in a terminal device can be configured to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be reused to improve antenna utilization.

[0054] The mobile communication module 150 may provide wireless communication solutions, including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc., applied to terminal devices. The mobile communication module 150 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 150 may receive electromagnetic waves via the antenna 1, perform processing such as filtering or amplification on the received electromagnetic waves, and send the processed electromagnetic waves to a modem processor for demodulation.

[0055] The wireless communication module 160 may be applied to a terminal device and provide wireless communication solutions including a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network), Bluetooth (BT), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), etc.

[0056] The terminal device implements a display function by using a GPU, a display 194, an application processor, etc. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing and is connected to the display 194 and the application processor. The GPU is configured to perform mathematical and geometric calculations and render images.

[0057] The display 194 is configured to display images, videos, etc. The display 194 includes a display panel, a backlight, a bias circuit, and a PD. In some embodiments, the terminal device may include one or N displays 194, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0058] The terminal device may implement the photographing function by using an ISP, a camera 193, a video codec, a GPU, a display 194, an application processor, and the like.

[0059] The camera 193 is configured to capture still images or video. In some embodiments, the terminal device may include one or N cameras 193, where N is a positive integer greater than one.

[0060] The external memory interface 120 may be configured to connect to an external memory card, such as a microSD card, to expand the storage capabilities of the terminal device. The external memory card communicates with the processor 110 via the external memory interface 120 to implement data storage functions. For example, files such as music and videos are stored on the external memory card.

[0061] The internal memory 121 may be configured to store computer-executable program code. The executable program code includes instructions. The internal memory 121 may include a program storage area and a data storage area.

[0062] The terminal device may implement audio functions, such as music playback or recording, by using an audio module 170, a speaker 170A, a receiver 170B, a microphone 170C, an application processor, and the like.

[0063] The audio module 170 is configured to convert digital audio information into analog audio signals for output and to convert analog audio input into digital audio signals. The speaker 170A, also called a "loudspeaker," is configured to convert audio electrical signals into voice signals. The terminal device can be used to listen to music or answer calls in hands-free mode via the speaker 170A. The receiver 170B, also called an "earpiece," is configured to convert audio electrical signals into voice signals. When using the terminal device to answer a call or receive a voice message, the receiver 170B can be placed near a person's ear to hear the sound. The microphone 170C, also called a "microphone" or "mic," is configured to convert voice signals into electrical signals.

[0064] The pressure sensor 180A is configured to sense a pressure signal and can convert the pressure signal into an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 180A may be disposed on the display 194. The gyroscope sensor 180B may be configured to determine the motion attitude of the terminal device. The air pressure sensor 180C is configured to measure air pressure. The magnetic sensor 180D includes a Hall sensor. The acceleration sensor 180E may detect acceleration values ​​in various directions (typically three axes) of the terminal device. The distance sensor 180F is configured to measure distance. The optical proximity sensor 180G may include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photodetector, such as a photodiode. The ambient light sensor 180L is configured to sense the brightness of ambient light. The fingerprint sensor 180H is configured to collect fingerprints. The temperature sensor 180J is configured to detect temperature. The touch sensor 180K is also referred to as a "touch component." The touch sensor 180K may be disposed on the display 194, and the touch sensor 180K and the display 194 may constitute a touch screen, also referred to as a “touch screen.” The bone conduction sensor 180M may acquire vibration signals.

[0065] The buttons 190 include a power button, a volume button, etc. The buttons 190 may be mechanical buttons or touch buttons. The terminal device may receive the button input and generate a button signal input related to user settings and function control of the terminal device. The indicators 192 may be indicator lights and may be configured to indicate charging status and power changes, or may be configured to indicate messages, missed calls, notifications, etc.

[0066] It should be noted that the specific technology used by the electronic device and the specific device form are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer (PC), a smart screen, an artificial intelligence (AI) speaker, a head unit device, or a wearable terminal device such as a smart watch. Alternatively, the electronic device may be various teaching aids (e.g., learning machines and early education machines), intelligent toys, mobile robots, personal digital assistants (PDAs), augmented reality (AR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, etc. Alternatively, the device may be a device with mobile office functions, a device with smart home functions, a device with audio and video entertainment functions, a device supporting intelligent travel, etc.

[0067] Specifically, for the application scenario shown in FIG. 1 , wireless communication technologies that vehicles can use may include Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), and low frequency (LF) + radio frequency (RF). Different vehicles may use different wireless communication technologies. For example, some vehicles support LF + RF, some vehicles support NFC + BLE, and some vehicles support UWB + BLE.

[0068] However, most current intelligent terminals only support BLE and NFC. As a result, they can only provide digital key functionality to vehicles that use NFC and / or BLE, and not to vehicles that use other wireless communication technologies. For example, current digital keys cannot provide digital key functionality to vehicles that use UWB, nor can they provide digital key functionality to vehicles that use LF+RF. In this case, if a user's vehicle does not use NFC or BLE, the user still needs to carry a physical key.

[0069] Therefore, how to provide digital key functionality to vehicles that use communication technologies other than BLE and NFC without requiring users to carry a physical key has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0070] In view of this, the present application provides a vehicle unlocking method and a digital key, which can provide digital key functions to vehicles that use other communication technologies even when an intelligent terminal that only supports BLE and NFC is used, without the need for the user to carry a physical key, thereby improving the user experience.

[0071] 3 is a diagram of an architecture for implementing digital key functions according to the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, it includes a digital key carrier device 301, a digital key extension device 302, and a digital key unlocking device 303.

[0072] Typically, the key carrier device 301 may be a wearable device such as a mobile phone, a wristwatch, or a tablet computer, and may interact with the cloud through an application (APP). For example, the key carrier device 301 is a mobile phone. The mobile phone may include an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) app, and the mobile phone may interact with an OEM server through the OEM app. Alternatively, the mobile phone may further include some local apps, such as a music app or a communication app. The mobile phone may interact with a mobile phone server on the cloud through the local app. In addition, the key carrier device 301 in this embodiment typically further includes a digital key framework module. The digital key framework module is mainly configured to generate key-related information and provide security protection.

[0073] The digital key extension device 302 may be, for example, a "cell phone case" or a watch strap.

[0074] The digital key unlocking device 303 is typically a device that needs to be operated by using a key carrier device, for example a vehicle or a roller shutter door.

[0075] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the expansion device 302 includes a first communication unit 3021 and a second communication unit 3022.

[0076] The first communication unit 3021 in the extension device 302 is configured to communicate with the key carrier device 301 by using a first communication protocol, and realizes communication between the key carrier device 301 and the extension device 302.

[0077] Generally, most key carrier devices 301 can only support the BLE protocol and the NFC protocol, so in this case, the first communication protocol can be regarded as the BLE protocol or the NFC protocol.

[0078] The second communication unit 3022 in the extension device 302 is configured to communicate with the digital key unlocking device 303 based on a second communication protocol, and realizes communication between the extension device 302 and the digital key unlocking device 303. The digital key unlocking device 303 supports the second communication protocol.

[0079] In other words, the second communication unit 3022 in the extension device 302 and the digital key unlocking device 303 support a consistent communication protocol.

[0080] For example, if the communication protocol supported by the digital key unlocking device is the UWB protocol, the second communication unit 3022 is a module that can communicate with the digital key unlocking device 303 by using the UWB protocol. That is, the second communication unit 3022 in the extension device 302 communicates with the digital key unlocking device 303 by using the UWB protocol.

[0081] In another example, if the communication protocol supported by the digital key unlocking device 303 is a radio frequency protocol (also referred to as an RF protocol), the second communication unit 3022 is a module that can communicate with the digital key unlocking device 303 by using the RF protocol. That is, the second communication unit 3022 in the extension device 302 communicates with the digital key unlocking device 303 by using the RF protocol.

[0082] In the present application, when a digital key extension device 302 is used, if a key carrier device 301 that does not support a second communication protocol needs to implement a digital key function for a digital key unlocking device 303 that supports the second communication protocol, i.e., if the key carrier device 301 that does not support the second communication protocol needs to cause a target communication device to perform some operations by using the second communication protocol, the key carrier device 301 can send an operation command (also referred to as a first command) to the extension device 302 based on the first communication protocol. Then, the extension device 302 can receive the operation command sent by the key carrier device 301 based on the first communication protocol by using the first communication unit 3021, and in response to the operation command, can communicate with the digital key unlocking device 303 based on the second communication protocol by using the second communication unit 3022 to perform the target operation on the digital key unlocking device. The digital key unlocking device 303 supports the second communication protocol.

[0083] For example, the key carrier device 301 communicates with the first communication unit 3021 in the extension device 302 based on the BLE protocol, and the second communication unit 3022 in the extension device 302 communicates with the digital key unlocking device 303 based on the UWB protocol. In this case, when the digital key unlocking device needs to perform a UWB ranging function by using the digital key function, the key carrier device 301 may send an instruction to enable UWB ranging to the extension device 302 based on the BLE protocol. Correspondingly, the extension device 302 receives the instruction used to enable UWB ranging sent by the key carrier device 301 based on the BLE protocol by using the first communication unit 3021, and in response to the instruction used to enable UWB ranging compliant with the BLE protocol, the extension device 302 performs a UWB interaction operation with the digital key unlocking device based on the UWB protocol by using the second communication unit 3022 to implement the UWB ranging function. Furthermore, the digital key unlocking device 303 determines whether to send an unlocking command to the door actuator based on the UWB ranging result and the unlocking policy.

[0084] 4, the key carrier device 301 specifically includes a communication unit 3011 and a power supply unit 3012. The extension device 302 further includes an electric energy acquisition unit 3023. The digital key unlocking device 303 includes a communication unit 3031, a positioning unit 3032, and a controller 3033.

[0085] The key carrier device 301 implements a communication function with the extension device 302 based on a first communication protocol by using the communication unit 3011. In other words, the key carrier device 301 can send a first command by using the communication unit 3011.

[0086] The digital key unlocking device 303 implements a communication function with the extension device 302 based on the second communication protocol by using the communication unit 3031. The positioning unit 3032 is configured to position the key carrier device (i.e., position the key). The controller 3033 is configured to control the digital key unlocking device 303.

[0087] The power supply unit 3012 in the key carrier device 301 is configured to supply power to the electric energy acquisition unit 3023 in the expansion device 302 to activate the expansion device 302 .

[0088] It should be noted here that the manner in which the power supply unit 3012 in the key carrier device 301 supplies power to the electric energy acquisition unit 3023 in the extension device 302 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0089] For example, in one implementation, the power supply unit 3012 in the key carrier device 301 may charge the electrical energy acquisition unit 3023 in the extension device 302 in a wired manner (e.g., supplying power via a Type-C interface).

[0090] For example, in another implementation, the power supply unit 3012 in the key carrier device 301 may charge the electric energy acquisition unit 3023 in the extension device 302 wirelessly (NFC / QI charging protocol).

[0091] In another example, in yet another implementation, the power supply unit 3012 in the key carrier device 301 may charge the electric energy acquisition unit 3023 in the extension device 302 in a metal contact manner.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, the digital key unlocking device supports the wireless communication protocol used for ranging (i.e., the second communication protocol is the wireless communication protocol used for ranging), but the key carrier device does not support the wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

[0093] For example, the wireless communication protocol used for ranging is the UWB protocol, and the digital key unlocking device may support the UWB protocol, but the key carrier device does not support the UWB protocol.

[0094] In this case, the key carrier device may send a first instruction to the extension device to instruct the extension device to perform a ranging interaction with the digital key unlocking device, and the first communication unit in the extension device may receive the first instruction and, in response to the first instruction to perform ranging, complete the ranging interaction with the digital key unlocking device by using the second communication unit.

[0095] In other words, in this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the wireless communication protocol used for ranging, so the key carrier device cannot implement the ranging function with the digital key unlocking device. However, the key carrier device sends a command to the extension device to enable the ranging function, and the extension device then completes the ranging function with the vehicle. In this way, the digital key function is provided to the digital key unlocking device that supports the wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

[0096] Specifically, the following uses an example in which the digital key unlocking device is a vehicle, the vehicle supports the UWB protocol and the BLE protocol, and the key carrier device supports the BLE protocol but does not support the UWB protocol, to describe specific steps of how the key carrier device provides the vehicle with digital key functions by using an extension device.

[0097] In other words, in this embodiment, the BLE protocol may be considered as a first communication protocol, and the UWB protocol may be considered as a second communication protocol.

[0098] It should be understood that in a scenario where the vehicle supports the UWB protocol and the BLE protocol, and the key carrier device supports the BLE protocol but not the UWB protocol, the second communication unit in the extension device is a communication unit that supports the UWB protocol and is capable of performing UWB ranging interactions with the vehicle.

[0099] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in this scenario, the specific procedure for the key carrier device to provide the vehicle with digital key function by using the extension device includes the following steps:

[0100] S501: First, the key carrier device and the Bluetooth system in the vehicle complete authentication based on the Bluetooth protocol.

[0101] For example, when a user approaches a vehicle with a key carrier device, the key carrier device sends an authentication request to the vehicle through a Bluetooth channel based on a Bluetooth protocol. After receiving the authentication request, the vehicle performs authentication with the key carrier device. If the authentication is successful, the Bluetooth system in the vehicle sends authentication result indication information to the key carrier device. The authentication result indication information indicates that authentication between the vehicle and the key carrier device has been completed.

[0102] S502: After determining that authentication between the key carrier device and the vehicle is completed based on the Bluetooth protocol, the key carrier device supplies power to the extension device by using the power supply unit to start up the extension device.

[0103] For the description of how the power supply unit in the key carrier device supplies power to the expansion device, please refer to the relevant parts in the aforementioned embodiments of this application, and the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0104] S503: After the expansion device is successfully started, the expansion device sends first information to the key carrier device, indicating that a connection has been established between the expansion device and the key carrier device.

[0105] Specifically, in this embodiment, the extension device uses the first communication unit to send the first information to the key carrier device based on the Bluetooth communication protocol, that is, the first information is sent by the extension device to the key carrier device through a Bluetooth channel.

[0106] The first information may indicate that a connection has been established between the extension device and the key carrier device, or may indicate that the extension device is ready to communicate with the key carrier device via Bluetooth, or may indicate that the extension device notifies the key carrier device that it is ready for Bluetooth communication.

[0107] S504: When the vehicle detects that UWB ranging needs to be performed, it sends an instruction to the key carrier device to enable UWB ranging.

[0108] Specifically, the vehicle sends an instruction to enable UWB ranging to the key carrier device based on the Bluetooth protocol, or in other words, the vehicle sends an instruction to enable UWB ranging to the key carrier device based on the Bluetooth channel.

[0109] S505: After receiving the instruction to enable UWB ranging transmitted by the vehicle, the key carrier device transmits a first instruction to the extension device, instructing the extension device to perform UWB ranging interaction with the vehicle.

[0110] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first command is sent by the key carrier device to the extension device based on the BLE protocol. In other words, the first command instructing the digital key extension device to enable UWB ranging is sent by the key carrier device to the extension device through a Bluetooth channel.

[0111] S506: After receiving a first command instructing the extension device to perform UWB ranging interaction with the vehicle, in response to the first command, the extension device performs a UWB ranging interaction procedure with the UWB system in the vehicle based on the UWB protocol.

[0112] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second communication unit in the extension device performs a UWB ranging interaction procedure with the UWB system in the vehicle based on the UWB protocol.

[0113] Optionally, the specific procedure may further include the following steps:

[0114] S507: The UWB system in the vehicle notifies the BCM of the ranging result, and the BCM determines whether to send an unlock command to the door actuator based on the unlock policy.

[0115] For example, if the BCM determines, based on the unlocking policy, to send an unlock command to the door actuator, S508 is executed to unlock the vehicle door.

[0116] In this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the wireless communication protocol used for UWB ranging, so the key carrier device cannot implement the UWB ranging function with the vehicle. However, the key carrier device sends a command to the extension device to enable the UWB ranging function, and then implements the UWB ranging function with the vehicle by using the extension device. In this way, the digital key function can be provided even for vehicles that support the wireless communication protocol used for UWB ranging.

[0117] In an optional embodiment, in some scenarios (e.g., when the second communication protocol supported by the digital key unlocking device is a radio frequency protocol but the key carrier device does not support the radio frequency protocol), the key carrier device may further send a remote control instruction (the remote control instruction may be considered as a first instruction) of the digital key unlocking device to the extension device, where the first instruction carries key information of the digital key unlocking device. Correspondingly, the extension device receives the first instruction by using the first communication unit, and in response to the first instruction, sends the first instruction to the digital key unlocking device based on the second communication protocol by using the second communication unit.

[0118] In other words, in this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the radio frequency protocol, so the key carrier device cannot directly provide the digital key function to the digital key unlocking device. However, the key carrier device transmits the remote control command to the extension device, which then transmits the remote control command to the vehicle based on the radio frequency protocol. In this way, the digital key function is provided to the digital key unlocking device that supports the radio frequency protocol.

[0119] Specifically, the following uses an example in which the digital key unlocking device is a vehicle, the vehicle supports the RF protocol, and the key carrier device supports the BLE protocol to describe specific steps of how the key carrier device provides the vehicle with digital key functions by using an extension device.

[0120] In other words, in this embodiment, the BLE protocol may be considered as a first communication protocol, and the RF protocol may be considered as a second communication protocol.

[0121] It should be understood that in a scenario where the vehicle supports the RF protocol and the key carrier device supports the BLE protocol but not the RF protocol, the second communication unit in the extension device is a communication unit that supports the RF protocol.

[0122] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in this scenario, the specific procedure for the key carrier device to provide the vehicle with digital key function by using the extension device includes the following steps:

[0123] S601: When a remote control command sent by a user through the app interface of the key carrier (mobile phone or watch) is received, the extension device is powered by the power supply unit to start up the extension device.

[0124] For example, a remote control command is a command used to unlock a vehicle.

[0125] In another example, the remote control command is a command used to lock a vehicle.

[0126] S602: After the expansion device is successfully started, the expansion device sends first information to the key carrier device indicating that a connection has been established between the expansion device and the key carrier device.

[0127] For this step, please refer to the description of S503 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0128] S603: After receiving the first information, in response to the first information, the key carrier device sends a first remote control command to the extension device, where the remote control command carries the key information.

[0129] Specifically, in this step, after receiving the first information used to notify the key carrier device that it is ready for Bluetooth communication, the key carrier device sends a first remote control command to the extension device through the Bluetooth channel between the key carrier device and the extension device, and the first remote control command also carries vehicle key information.

[0130] S604: After receiving the first remote control command, the extension device completes authentication with the PEPS system in the vehicle in response to the first remote control command, and sends a second remote control command to the vehicle, the second remote control command conforming to a radio frequency protocol and converted from the first remote control command.

[0131] Specifically, the extension device receives a first remote control command by using a first communication unit, converts the first remote control command into a second remote control command that complies with a radio frequency protocol, and finally transmits the second remote control command to the vehicle by using the second communication unit.

[0132] S605: After receiving the second remote control command, the BCM in the vehicle sends the second remote control command to the door actuator, causing the door actuator to perform the operation indicated by the remote control command.

[0133] For example, if the remote control command is a command used to unlock a vehicle, the vehicle is unlocked, and if the remote control command is a command used to lock a vehicle, the vehicle is locked.

[0134] In this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the RF protocol, so the key carrier device cannot implement the digital key function for vehicles that support RF. However, the key carrier device transmits a remote control command to the extension device, converts the remote control command into a remote control command that complies with the RF protocol, and transmits the remote control command to the vehicle using the extension device. In this way, the digital key function is provided even for vehicles that support the RF protocol.

[0135] In the above embodiment, a vehicle is used as an example to describe the method for providing a vehicle with a digital key function. In the following, a rolling shutter door is used as an example to describe the specific steps of the method for providing a rolling shutter door with a digital key function by a key carrier device using an extension device.

[0136] Generally, the communication protocol used in roller shutter doors is an RF protocol.

[0137] Therefore, in this embodiment, an embodiment of a method for providing digital key functionality to a rolling shutter door is described, still using the BLE protocol as the first communication protocol and still using the RF protocol as the second communication protocol.

[0138] It should be understood that in a scenario where the roller shutter door supports the RF protocol and the key carrier device supports the BLE protocol but does not support the RF protocol, the second communication unit in the extension device is a communication unit that supports the RF protocol.

[0139] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in this scenario, the specific procedure for the key carrier device to provide the rolling shutter door with digital key function by using the extension device includes the following steps:

[0140] S701: When a remote control command sent by a user through the app interface of the key carrier (mobile phone or watch) is received, the extension device is powered by the power supply unit to start up the extension device.

[0141] For example, the remote control command is the command used to open a roller shutter door.

[0142] In another example, the remote control command is a command used to close a roller shutter door.

[0143] S702: After the extension device is successfully started, the extension device sends first information to the key carrier device indicating that a connection has been established between the extension device and the key carrier device.

[0144] S703: After receiving the first information, in response to the first information, the key carrier device sends a first remote control command to the extension device, where the remote control command carries the key information.

[0145] S704: After receiving the first remote control command, the extension device completes authentication with the RF control unit in the roller shutter door in response to the first remote control command, and sends a second remote control command to the roller shutter door, the second remote control command conforming to a radio frequency protocol and converted from the first remote control command.

[0146] S705: After receiving the second remote control command, the RF control unit in the roller shutter door sends the second remote control command to the motor, so that the motor performs the operation indicated by the remote control command.

[0147] For example, if the remote control command is a command used to open the roller shutter door, the motor rotates in a forward direction to open the roller shutter door, and if the remote control command is a command used to close the roller shutter door, the motor rotates in a reverse direction to close the roller shutter door.

[0148] In this embodiment, the key carrier device does not support the RF protocol, so the key carrier device cannot implement the digital key function for the rolling shutter door that supports RF. However, the key carrier device sends a remote control command to the extension device, converts the remote control command into a remote control command that complies with the RF protocol, and transmits the remote control command to the rolling shutter door by using the extension device. In this way, the digital key function is also provided for the rolling shutter door that supports the RF protocol.

[0149] All or part of the above-described embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, the above-described embodiments may be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the program instructions or computer programs are loaded and executed on a computer, the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated entirely or partially. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or another programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., infrared, radio, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium, which may be a solid-state drive.

[0150] It should be understood that the term "and / or" herein describes only a relational relationship between related objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: when only A is present, when both A and B are present, and when only B is present, where A and B may be singular or plural. In addition, the character " / " herein usually indicates an "or" relationship between related objects, but may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For more details, please refer to the context for understanding.

[0151] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following items (moieties)" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including a singular item (moiety) or any combination of multiple items (moieties). For example, at least one of items (elements) a, b, and c may refer to a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0152] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the execution sequence in the embodiments of the present application. The execution order of the processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0153] Those skilled in the art may recognize that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether a function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but this implementation form should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0154] For convenience and concise description, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the detailed operation processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units may refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0155] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and actual implementation may involve other divisions. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the shown or described mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented via some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0156] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one location or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0157] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0158] When a function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the function may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application may essentially be implemented in the form of a software product, or a portion of the technical solution may be implemented in the form of a software product. A computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computing device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory, a random-access memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0159] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any variations or replacements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle unlocking method applied to a digital key, receiving, by the digital key extension device, a first instruction from the digital key carrier device according to a first communication protocol; the extension device communicating with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

3. the first instructions instruct the augmentation device to perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle; the step of the extension device communicating with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command includes: the extension device performing a ranging interaction with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first command; The method of claim 2 , comprising:

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second communication protocol is an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

5. the first command is a remote control command for the vehicle, the first command carries key information for the vehicle; the step of the extension device communicating with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command includes: the extension device transmitting the first command to the vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first command; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the second communication protocol is a radio frequency protocol.

7. transmitting first information to the carrier device based on the first communication protocol by the expansion device before receiving the first command, the first information indicating that a connection has been established between the expansion device and the carrier device; 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

8. the expansion device obtaining electrical energy from the carrier device; the expansion device starting up based on the electrical energy; 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

9. The step of the extension device obtaining electrical energy from the carrier device includes: The expansion device obtains the electrical energy from the carrier device in at least one of a wired manner, a wireless manner, and a metal contact manner.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising:

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first communication protocol is the Bluetooth® Low Energy protocol.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier device comprises a mobile phone or a wearable device.

12. A vehicle unlocking method applied to a vehicle, comprising: communicating with a digital key extension device based on a second communication protocol, the extension device receiving a first command from the digital key carrier device based on the first communication protocol, and communicating with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol in response to the first command; A method comprising:

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

14. the first instructions instruct the augmentation device to perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle; The step of communicating with the expansion device based on a second communication protocol includes: performing ranging interaction with the extended device based on the second communication protocol; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the second communication protocol is an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

16. the first command is a remote control command for the vehicle, the first command carries key information for the vehicle; The step of communicating with the expansion device based on a second communication protocol includes: receiving, by the vehicle, the first command transmitted by the extension device based on the second communication protocol; performing the operations indicated by the first instructions; 13. The method of claim 12, comprising:

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the second communication protocol is a radio frequency protocol.

18. a digital key, comprising: an extension device for the digital key and a carrier device, the extension device comprising a first communication unit and a second communication unit; the first communication unit is configured to receive a first instruction from the carrier device of the digital key based on a first communication protocol; the second communication unit is configured to communicate with the vehicle based on a second communication protocol in response to the first command; Digital key.

19. 20. The digital key of claim 18, wherein the second communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol used for ranging.

20. the first instructions instruct the augmentation device to perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle; the second communication unit is specifically configured to, in response to the first command, perform a ranging interaction with the vehicle based on the second communication protocol; 20. The digital key of claim 19.

21. 21. The digital key of claim 19 or 20, wherein the second communication protocol is an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

22. the first command is a remote control command for the vehicle, the first command carries key information for the vehicle; the second communication unit is specifically configured to, in response to the first command, transmit the first command to the vehicle based on the second communication protocol; 20. The digital key of claim 18.

23. 23. The digital key of claim 22, wherein the second communication protocol is a radio frequency protocol.

24. 24. The digital key of claim 18, wherein the first communication unit is further configured to, before receiving the first instruction, send first information to the carrier device based on the first communication protocol, the first information indicating that a connection has been established between the extension device and the carrier device.

25. 25. The digital key of claim 18, wherein the extension device further includes an electric energy acquisition unit configured to acquire electric energy from the carrier device to power up the extension device.

26. 26. The digital key of claim 18, wherein the electric energy acquisition unit specifically acquires the electric energy from the carrier device in at least one of a wired manner, a wireless manner, and a metal contact manner.

27. 27. The digital key of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the first communication protocol is the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol.

28. 28. The digital key of any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the carrier device comprises a mobile phone or a wearable device.

29. A vehicle comprising a module configured to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 17.

30. A digital key system comprising: a digital key according to any one of claims 18 to 28; and a vehicle according to claim 29.

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