Hands-free access and automatic start-up identifier for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a hands-free identifier for a vehicle, comprising a first BLE communication module that comprises a first electronic control unit and an application layer, a) wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to: - transmit events according to a BLE communication protocol; - receive a scan request from the vehicle; - send a response back to the vehicle; b) wherein the application layer is configured to place the hands-free identifier in an announcement mode and to configure a time interval between the transmission of two consecutive events for the announcement mode, characterised in that the application layer is further configured to place the hands-free identifier in a slow announcement mode or a fast announcement mode, and in that the first electronic control unit is further configured to transmit to the application layer an item of confirmation information confirming receipt of the scan request, and in that the application layer is further configured to, upon receiving the item of confirmation information, modify the time interval in order to place the hands-free identifier in the fast announcement mode, and in that the first electronic control unit is further configured to, after placing the hands-free identifier in the fast announcement mode, establish a BLE connection with the vehicle following a distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that the hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of the vehicle.

Description

Hands-free vehicle access and auto-start ID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] The first BLE communication module M_BLE1 includes a first electronic control unit Ecu1 and an application layer App.

[0042] As illustrated in the, the first electronic control unit Ecu1 is configured to transmit ADV_ev events according to a BLE communication protocol (illustrated function f10(Ecu1, ADV_ev) in the) when it is positioned in an ADV announcement mode. It is recalled that the BLE communication protocol uses three communication channels and that it uses the 2.4GHz ISM frequency band as the BLE frequency band. It will be noted that an ADV_ev event comprises a plurality of frames which are sent on the three communication channels. The frames transmitted according to the BLE communication protocol being known to those skilled in the art, they are not described here.

[0043] It will be noted that initially, the hands-free identifier Id is positioned in an ADV announcement mode and more particularly in a slow ADV.1 announcement mode. A time interval Int between the emission of two consecutive events ADV_ev is associated with this slow ADV.1 announcement mode. In a non-limiting embodiment, this time interval Int is between 3 and 4 seconds. This makes it possible to save the energy of the battery B of the hands-free identifier Id.

[0044] The first electronic control unit Ecu1 is further configured to receive a scan request SC_Rq from said motor vehicle V according to the BLE communication protocol (illustrated function f11(Ecu1, V, SC_Rq) on the). The scan request SC_Rq is called in English "Scan Request". The scan request SC_Rq is received when the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range, namely at a first distance d1 around the motor vehicle V. The first distance d1, called BLE distance, can be up to 100 meters. The scan request SC_Rq is received when the hands-free identifier Id is in the slow announcement mode ADV.1.

[0045] The first electronic control unit Ecu1 is further configured to send a return response SC_Rs to said motor vehicle V according to the BLE communication protocol, said return response SC_Rs comprising first information i1 (illustrated function f12(Ecu1, V, SC_Rs(i1)) on the). The return response SC_Rs is called in English “Scan Response”.

[0046] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first information i1 comprises a complete identifier of said hands-free identifier Id and information such as, in non-limiting examples, the name of the manufacturer of the hands-free identifier Id, a battery level. In a non-limiting embodiment, the return response SC_Rs may also comprise an RSSI measurement carried out by said hands-free identifier Id from the scanning request SC_Rq emitted by the motor vehicle V, in particular by said first electronic control unit Ecu1. Thus, the first information i1 may comprise this RSSI measurement.

[0047] The first electronic control unit Ecu1 is further configured to transmit to the application layer App confirmation information i2 of receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq (illustrated function f13(Ecu1, App, i2) on the) to which said hands-free identifier Id is paired. This will allow the application layer App to position the hands-free identifier Id in a quick announcement mode ADV.2 thereafter. It will be noted that the identification of a vehicle to which a hands-free identifier is paired being known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here.

[0048] After positioning the hands-free identifier Id in the quick announcement mode ADV.2, the first electronic control unit Ecu1 is further configured to perform a BLE connection referenced Cnx_BLE, with said motor vehicle V following a distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements ("Received Signal Strength Indicator" in English) indicating that said hands-free identifier is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V (illustrated function f14(Ecu1, V, Cnx_BLE) on the). Thus, according to the RSSI measurement(s), the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range, a BLE connection can be performed. Since an RSSI measurement is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here.

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

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

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment, one or more RSSI measurements are also carried out by the hands-free identifier Id. In this case, the first information i1 further comprises this or these RSSI measurements carried out by the hands-free identifier Id. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, after positioning in the rapid announcement mode ADV.2, the first electronic control unit Ecu1 is further configured to carry out one or more RSSI measurements (illustrated function f15(Ecu1, RSSI) on the). The RSSI measurement is carried out from the scanning request SC_Rq. The fact of carrying out an RSSI measurement by the hands-free identifier Id and one by the motor vehicle V makes it possible to overcome radiofrequency communication problems which may occur in one direction of communication or in the other.

[0052] To perform these functions f10 to f15, the first electronic control unit Ecu1 is coupled to one or more BlueTooth Low Energy transmitting / receiving antennas TM referenced TxRx1 on which are part of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1.

[0053] The application layer App of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 is configured to position said hands-free identifier Id in an ADV announcement mode (illustrated function f16(App, Id, ADV(ADV.1, ADV.2)) on the). In a non-limiting embodiment, the ADV announcement mode is a slow announcement mode ADV.1 or a fast announcement mode ADV.2. Initially, the ADV announcement mode of the hands-free identifier Id is the slow announcement mode ADV.1. Thus, said application layer App is configured to initially position said hands-free identifier Id in the slow announcement mode ADV.1. It will be noted that while the hands-free identifier Id is in an ADV announcement mode, the motor vehicle V is in the SCN scanning mode. This allows it to scan ADV_ev events emitted by the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 of the hands-free identifier Id.

[0054] The application layer App is further configured to configure a time interval Int between the emission of two consecutive events ADV_ev for said ADV announcement mode (illustrated function f17(App, Int) on the). Thus, it can configure a time interval Int for the slow announcement mode ADV.1 and a time interval Int for the fast announcement mode ADV.2. The fast announcement mode ADV.2 is a mode for which the time interval Int between the emission of two consecutive events ADV_ev is less than that of the slow announcement mode ADV.1. In a non-limiting embodiment, this time interval Int is between 25 ms (milliseconds) and 200 ms for the fast announcement mode ADV.2. In a non-limiting example, it is approximately 50 milliseconds. Thus, the time interval Int for the emission of two consecutive ADV_ev events is reduced compared to the slow ADV.1 announcement mode.

[0055] The application layer App is further configured to receive from said electronic control unit Ecu1 the confirmation information i2 described previously (illustrated function f18(App, Ecu1, i2) on the).

[0056] Upon receipt of this confirmation information i1, the application layer App is further configured to modify the time interval Int between two consecutive emitted events ADV_e so as to position said hands-free identifier Id in the fast announcement mode ADV.2 (illustrated function f19(App, Int, ADV.2) on the). This allows the motor vehicle V to receive more ADV_ev events and therefore more frames (in other words samples) more quickly, and thus to perform an RSSI measurement on its side more quickly from more ADV_ev events (than if they had been emitted in the slow announcement mode ADV.1). Thus, by increasing the samples, and therefore the sampling rate, the estimation of the distance of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V will be done more quickly.It should be noted that the distance estimation is made from the RSSI measurement(s) made by the motor vehicle V and, where applicable, from the one(s) made by the hands-free identifier Id. The RSSI measurement(s) made by the motor vehicle V are made from the ADV_ev events. Also, increasing the sampling rate makes it possible to increase the possible number of RSSI measurements made by the motor vehicle V. Thus, the estimation of the distance of the hands-free identifier Id from the motor vehicle V will be more reliable since it is based on more RSSI measurements.

[0057] The second UWB communication module M_UWB1 is configured to, following the BLE connection with said motor vehicle V, receive UWB signals referenced s_UWB from said motor vehicle V for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier Id relative to said motor vehicle V (illustrated function f20(Ecu2, s_UWB) on the). The UWB signals are received when the hands-free identifier Id is within a UWB range relative to the motor vehicle V. The UWB range is less than 10 meters. The UWB distance is a second distance d2. It is thus measured when the hands-free identifier Id is within the UWB range relative to the motor vehicle V, namely at a distance less than 10 meters around the motor vehicle V.

[0058] Upon receiving a UWB signal s_UWB, the second UWB communication module M_UWB1 is further configured to return a UWB return signal s'_UWB (illustrated function f21(M_UWB1, s'_UWB)

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

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

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

[0062] Thus, the hands-free identifier Id makes it possible to implement a communication method Pro1 with said vehicle V for its location relative to said vehicle V, said communication method Pro1 being illustrated in the. The communication method Pro1 comprises the following steps.

[0063] The communication method Pro1 comprises an initial step E0 illustrated F0(App, Id, ADV.1) on which the application layer App of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 positions the hands-free identifier Id in the slow announcement mode ADV.1.

[0064] In a step E1 illustrated F1(Id(M_BLE1), ADV_ev, ADV.1), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecu1) the ADV_ev events according to the BLE communication protocol. It does this when it is in the slow announcement mode ADV.1.

[0065] In a step E2' illustrated F2'(Id(M_BLE1), SC_Rq) said hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE2 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecu1) receives a scanning request SC_Rq transmitted by the motor vehicle V.

[0066] Upon receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, in a step E3 illustrated F3(Id(M_BLE1), SC_Rs(i1, RSSI)), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecu1) the return response SC_Rs, said return response SC_Rs comprising the first information i1.

[0067] In a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free identifier Id further performs one or more RSSI measurements and returns the value of this RSSI measurement(s) in the return response SC_Rs. This RSSI measurement(s) is subsequently used by the motor vehicle V with its own RSSI measurement(s) to estimate the first distance d1 of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V.

[0068] It should be noted that the first electronic control unit Ecu1 can receive the scan request SC_Rq only when the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V. By receiving this scan request SC_Rq, the first electronic control unit Ecu1 is thus sure to be within the BLE range and can then perform the next step to trigger the fast announcement mode ADV.2.

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

[0070] In a step E4 illustrated F4(Ecu1, App, i2)), the first electronic control unit Ecu1 of the hands-free identifier Id transmits to the application layer App the confirmation information i2 of receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, and this confirmation information i2 is received by said application layer App (step E4' illustrated F4'(App, Ecu1, i2)).

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

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

[0073] In a step E6 illustrated F6(Id(M_BLE1), ADV_ev, ADV.2), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecu1) the ADV_ev events according to the BLE communication protocol. This time, it does so according to the fast announcement mode ADV.2. Thus, it transmits two consecutive ADV_ev events according to the time interval Int relating to said fast announcement mode ADV.2, which is lower than that of the slow announcement mode ADV.1.

[0074] When a distance estimation d1 (via one or more RSSI measurements) indicates that the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V, in a step E7 illustrated F7(Id(M_BLE1), V(M_BLE2), RSSI(d1) Cnx_BLE), the hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 makes a BLE connection with the motor vehicle V.

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

[0076] Following the BLE connection, in a non-limiting embodiment, the hands-free identifier Id via its second UWB communication module M_UWB1 receives UWB signals s_UWB emitted by the motor vehicle V according to a UWB communication protocol for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V (step E8' illustrated F8'(Id(M_UWB1), s_UWB)).

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

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

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

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

[0081] When the hands-free identifier Id is in the slow announcement mode ADV.1, the third BLE communication module M_BLE2 is configured to:- scan the ADV_ev events emitted by said hands-free identifier Id according to the BLE communication protocol (illustrated function f31(Ecu3, ADV_ev, ADV.1) on the),- send the scan request SC_Rq (illustrated function f32(Ecu3, Id, SC_Rq) on the) according to the BLE communication protocol,- receive from said hands-free identifier Id the return response SC_Rs emitted by the hands-free identifier Id according to the BLE communication protocol (illustrated function f33(Ecu3, Id, SC_Rs(i1)) on the).

[0082] After positioning the hands-free identifier Id in said ADV.2 quick announcement mode,- scanning the ADV_ev events emitted by the hands-free identifier Id during the ADV.2 quick announcement mode (illustrated function f34(Ecu3, ADV_ev, ADV.2) on the),- performing one or more RSSI measurements from said ADV_ev events emitted by the hands-free identifier Id when it is in the ADV.2 quick announcement mode (illustrated function f35(Ecu3, RSSI) on the),- performing the BLE connection with said hands-free identifier Id following the distance estimation d1 via the RSSI measurement(s) indicating that said hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of said vehicle V (illustrated function f36(Ecu3, Id, RSSI(d1) Cnx_BLE) on the).

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

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

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

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

[0087] To simplify the description of the Pro2 localization method, in the various steps that follow, we will talk about the first electronic control unit Ecu1 and the App application to differentiate these two elements that are part of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1. For the rest of the communication modules, we will only use the terms second UWB communication module M_UWB2, third BLE communication module M_BLE2, and fourth UWB communication module M_UWB2, it being understood that these terms can be replaced respectively by second electronic control unit Ecu2 of the second UWB communication module M_UWB2, third electronic control unit Ecu3 of the third BLE communication module M_BLE2, and fourth electronic control unit Ecu4 of the fourth UWB communication module M_UWB2.It will be noted that the Pro2 location method takes up the steps of the Pro1 communication method described previously implemented by the hands-free identifier Id to which are added steps executed on the motor vehicle V side.

[0088] The Pro2 localization method comprises an initial step E0 illustrated F0(App, Id, ADV.1) on which the hands-free identifier Id is positioned by the application layer App of the first BLE communication module M_BLE1 in the slow announcement mode ADV.1.

[0089] In a step E1 illustrated F1(Id(M_BLE1), ADV_ev, ADV.1), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE2 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecu1) the ADV_ev events according to the BLE communication protocol and according to the slow announcement mode ADV.1, the latter being scanned by the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 of the motor vehicle V (step E1' illustrated F1'(V(M_BLE2), ADV_ev). It will be noted that between each transmission of an ADV_ev event, the hands-free identifier Id goes into SCN listening mode to know if a scanning request SC_Rq is sent to it by the motor vehicle V.

[0090] In a step E2 illustrated F2(V(M_BLE2), SC_Rq), the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 transmits the scanning request SC_Rq, and the latter is received by said hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecu1) (step E2' illustrated F2'(Id(M_BLE1), SC_Rq)).

[0091] Upon receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, in a step E3 illustrated F3(Id(M_BLE1), SC_Rs(i1, RSSI)), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular its first electronic control unit Ecu1) transmits the return response SC_Rs, said return response SC_Rs comprising the first information i1, and the latter is received by the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2 (step E3' illustrated F3'(V(M_BLE2), SC_Rs(i1, RSSI)).

[0092] In a step E4 illustrated F4(Ecu1, App, i2)), the first electronic control unit Ecu1 of the hands-free identifier Id transmits to the application layer App the confirmation information i2 of receipt of the scanning request SC_Rq, and this confirmation information i2 is received by said application layer App (step E4' illustrated F4'(App, Ecu1, i2)).

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

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

[0095] Thus, in a step E6 illustrated F6(Id(M_BLE1), ADV_ev, ADV.2), the hands-free identifier Id transmits via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 (in particular via its first electronic control unit Ecu1) the ADV_ev events according to the BLE communication protocol. This time it does so according to the fast announcement mode ADV.2.

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

[0097] The motor vehicle V can then perform an RSSI measurement on its side based on the frames received in the ADV_ev events more quickly and thus estimate the first distance d1 of the hands-free identifier Id relative to the motor vehicle V on its RSSI measurement and, if applicable, also on that of the hands-free identifier Id (which it will have received via the return response SC_Rs) and thus confirm that the hands-free identifier Id is close enough to it to make a BLE connection and then, if applicable, to make a UWB connection. The RSSI measurement is more precise because it is based on a larger number of samples; this distance estimation d1 is therefore more reliable.

[0098] When the distance estimation d1 indicates that the hands-free identifier Id is within the BLE range of the motor vehicle V, in a step E7 illustrated F7(Id(M_BLE1), V(M_BLE2), RSSI(d1), Cnx_BLE), the hands-free identifier Id via its first BLE communication module M_BLE1 makes a BLE connection with the motor vehicle V via its third BLE communication module M_BLE2.

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

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

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

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

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

[0104] Thus, the invention described has in particular the following advantages:- it allows the hands-free identifier Id which is in the slow announcement mode ADV.1 to detect that it is in the BLE range of the vehicle V and thus to modify its announcement mode to the fast announcement mode ADV.2,- it allows the distance estimation to be triggered more quickly by the vehicle V via one or more RSSI measurements, by increasing the sampling rate (i.e. by increasing the number of ADV_ev events emitted and therefore frames emitted by the hands-free identifier Id),- it allows a BLE connection to be made more quickly to thus more quickly carry out a UWB measurement for localization,- it makes it possible to avoid trying to make BLE connections while the hands-free identifier Id is not yet in the BLE range relative to the vehicle V.Therefore, it avoids unnecessary consumption of battery B energy of the hands-free identifier Id,- in the same way, it avoids over-consuming battery B energy of the hands-free identifier Id by avoiding keeping the hands-free identifier Id always in a fast ADV.2 announcement mode to obtain accurate RSSI measurements,- it allows to inform the hands-free identifier Id that it is within the BLE range of the vehicle V and thus to let it know that its ADV_e events have been scanned by the vehicle V to which it is paired.

Claims

Hands-free identifier (Id) for access and automatic start for a vehicle (V), said hands-free identifier (Id) comprising a first BLE communication module (M_BLE1) comprising a first electronic control unit (Ecu1) and an application layer (App),a) said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) being configured to:- emit events (ADV_ev) according to a BLE communication protocol,- receive a scan request (SC_Rq) from said vehicle (V),- send a return response (SC_Rs) to said vehicle (V), said return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (i1),b) said application layer (App) being configured to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in an announcement mode (ADV) and to configure a time interval (Int) between the emission of two consecutive events (ADV_ev) for said announcement mode (ADV),characterized in that said application layer (App) is further configured to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in a slow announcement mode (ADV.1) or in a fast announcement mode (ADV.2), and in that said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) is further configured to transmit to said application layer (App) confirmation information (i2) of receipt of said scanning request (SC_Rq) from the vehicle (V) to which said hands-free identifier (Id) is paired, and in that said application layer (App) is further configured to, upon receipt of said confirmation information (i2), modify said time interval (Int) between the emission of two consecutive emitted events (ADV_e) to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in the fast announcement mode (ADV.2), and in that said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) is further configured to,after positioning the hands-free identifier (Id) in the quick announcement mode (ADV.2), making a BLE connection with said vehicle (V) following a distance estimation via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V)., Hands-free identifier (Id) according to claim 1, wherein said application layer (App) is further configured to initially position said hands-free identifier (Id) in the slow announcement mode (ADV.1). Hands-free identifier (Id) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fast announcement mode (ADV.2) is a mode for which said time interval (Int) is less than that of said slow announcement mode (ADV.1). Hands-free identifier (Id) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein after positioning in the quick announcement mode (ADV.2), said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) is further configured to carry out one or more RSSI measurements from said scan request (SC_Rq). Hands-free identifier (Id) according to claim 3 and claim 4, wherein said first information (i1) further comprises said one or more RSSI measurements. Hands-free identifier (Id) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hands-free identifier (Id) further comprises a second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) configured to, following the BLE connection with said vehicle (V):- receive UWB signals (s_UWB) from said vehicle (V) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id), and- transmit in return UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement. A method of communicating (Pro1) a hands-free identifier (Id) for access and automatic start for a vehicle (V) with a vehicle (V) for its location relative to said vehicle (V), said hands-free identifier (Id) comprising a first BLE communication module (M_BLE1), said first BLE communication module (M_BLE1) comprising a first electronic control unit (Ecu1) and an application layer (App), characterized in that said communication method (Pro1) comprises: - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) of events (ADV_ev) according to a BLE communication protocol when said hands-free identifier (Id) is positioned in a slow announcement mode (ADV.1), - a reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) of a scan request (SC_Rq) transmitted by said vehicle (V),- a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) of a return response (SC_Rs), said return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (i1),- a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) to said application layer (App) of confirmation information (i2) of receipt of said scanning request (SC_Rq), and a reception by said application layer (App) of said confirmation information (i2), and- upon receipt of said confirmation information (i2), a modification by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said application layer (App) of a time interval (Int) between each transmitted event (ADV_e) to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in a fast announcement mode (ADV.2),- after positioning said hands-free identifier (Id) in the fast announcement mode (ADV.2),an establishment by said hands-free identifier (Id) of a BLE connection with said vehicle (V) following distance estimation (d1) via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V)., Communication method (Pro1) according to the preceding claim, according to which said communication method (Pro1) further comprises following the BLE connection of said hands-free identifier (Id) with said vehicle (V): - a reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via a second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of UWB signals (s_UWB) emitted by the vehicle (V) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id) relative to said vehicle (V), - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement. Hands-free system (Sys) for automatic access and starting for a vehicle (V), characterized in that said hands-free system (Sys) comprises:a) a hands-free identifier (Id) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, andb) a third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of said vehicle (V) configured to:- scan events (ADV_ev) emitted by said hands-free identifier (Id) according to a BLE communication protocol,- send a scan request (SC_Rq),- receive from said hands-free identifier (Id) a return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (i1),- after positioning the hands-free identifier (Id) in said quick announcement mode (ADV.2): (i) scanning events (ADV_ev) emitted by said hands-free identifier (Id), and (ii) performing one or more RSSI measurements from said events (ADV_ev), and (ii) performing a BLE connection with said hands-free identifier (Id) following the distance estimation (d1) via said one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V). Hands-free system (Sys) for access and automatic starting of a vehicle (V) according to the preceding claim, according to which said hands-free system (Sys) further comprises a fourth UWB communication module (M_UWB2) of said vehicle (V) configured to, following the BLE connection of said vehicle (V) with said hands-free identifier (Id):- transmit UWB signals (s_UWB) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id), and- receive from said hands-free identifier (Id) UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement. Method for locating (Pro2) a hands-free identifier (Id) for access and automatic start for a vehicle (V) relative to a vehicle (V), said hands-free identifier (Id) comprising a first BLE communication module (M_BLE1), said first BLE communication module (M_BLE1) comprising a first electronic control unit (Ecu1) and an application layer (App), said vehicle (V) comprising a third BLE communication module (M_BLE2), characterized in that said locating method (Pro2) comprises: - a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) of events (ADV_ev) according to a BLE communication protocol when said hands-free identifier (Id) is positioned in a slow announcement mode (ADV.1), and a scan by said vehicle (V) via said third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of said events (ADV_ev),- a transmission by said vehicle (V) via said third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of a scanning request (SC_Rq), and a reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) of said scanning request (SC_Rq),- a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) of a return response (SC_Rs), said return response (SC_Rs) comprising first information (i1), and a reception by said vehicle (V) via said third BLE communication module (M_BLE2) of said return response (SC_Rs),- a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said first electronic control unit (Ecu1) to said application layer (App) of confirmation information (i2) of receipt of said scanning request (SC_Rq), and a reception by said application layer (App) of said confirmation information (i2),- upon receipt of said confirmation information (i2), a modification by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said application layer (App) of said time interval (Int) between each event emitted (ADV_e) to position said hands-free identifier (Id) in a rapid announcement mode (ADV.2),- after positioning said hands-free identifier (Id) in the rapid announcement mode (ADV.2), an establishment by said hands-free identifier (Id) of a BLE connection with said vehicle (V) following distance estimation (d1) via one or more RSSI measurements indicating that said hands-free identifier (Id) is within the BLE range of said vehicle (V)., Localization method (Pro2) according to the preceding claim, according to which said localization method (Pro2) further comprises, following the BLE connection of said hands-free identifier (Id) with said vehicle (V):- a transmission by said vehicle (V) via a fourth UWB communication module (M_UWB2) of UWB signals (s_UWB) for a UWB distance measurement of said hands-free identifier (Id) relative to said vehicle (V), and- a reception by said hands-free identifier (Id) via a second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of said UWB signals (s_UWB), and- a transmission by said hands-free identifier (Id) via said second UWB communication module (M_UWB1) of UWB return signals (s_UWB') for said UWB distance measurement, and- a reception by said vehicle (V) via said fourth UWB communication module (M_UWB2) of said UWB return signals (s_UWB'),and- a UWB distance measurement (d2) of said hands-free identifier (Id) relative to said vehicle (V) from said UWB signals (s_UWB) and said UWB return signals (s_UWB').,

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