Wireless charging of vehicle access devices at arbitrary positions within the vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal (2), which is designed to authenticate usage of a vehicle (1), by means of a vehicle charging system (4), the method comprising the steps of: detecting (S20) position data of a mobile terminal (2) in and / or on a vehicle (1), the mobile terminal (2) being designed to authenticate usage of the vehicle (1), and the position data describing at least one position of the mobile terminal (2) in relation to the vehicle (1); determining (S30) charging position data for the mobile terminal (2) based on the detected position data, the charging position data describing at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle (1) which can be provided for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal (2) with the aid of the vehicle charging system (4); wirelessly charging (S40) the mobile terminal (2) based on the determined charging position data with the aid of the vehicle charging system (4).

Description

[0001] WIRELESS CHARGING OF VEHICLE ACCESS DEVICES AT ANY POSITION INSIDE THE VEHICLE

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal with a vehicle charging system, as well as a vehicle charging system for wireless charging.

[0003] Vehicles are typically unlocked and, in particular, authorized to start the engine using wireless access devices. Due to the high energy consumption, a technology based on measuring the field strength of a low-frequency electromagnetic field at 125 kHz is typically used to locate the traditional vehicle key.

[0004] In particular, it is an object of the invention to reduce problems of the above-mentioned technology and to further improve technologies for authenticating the use of a vehicle.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal using a vehicle charging system is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting position data of a mobile terminal in and / or on a vehicle. In one embodiment, the mobile terminal is configured to authenticate use of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the position data describe at least one position (preferably position and orientation, in particular with respect to the vehicle) of the mobile terminal with respect to the vehicle, in particular a position of a receiver for electrical energy, preferably for inductive charging, of the mobile terminal. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining charging position data for the mobile terminal, in particular based on the detected position data of the mobile terminal.In one embodiment, the charging position data describe at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle that can be provided for wireless charging of the mobile terminal. In one embodiment, the charging position data are dependent on a maximum range of the vehicle charging system and / or on a predetermined range. In one embodiment, determining charging position data comprises checking the availability of wireless charging of the mobile terminal. In one embodiment, the method comprises wirelessly charging the mobile terminal, in particular based on the determined charging position data, using the vehicle charging system.

[0007] Advantageously, in one embodiment, this makes it possible for mobile terminals configured to authenticate use of the vehicle to have a smaller battery capacity, in particular because they are or can be charged (shortly) before, in particular during unlocking / unlocking and / or opening and / or during use of the vehicle by the method described herein.As a result, in particular through the use of communication interfaces and / or methods of the mobile terminal, such as in particular (in one embodiment) ultra-wideband (UWB) and / or Bluetooth Low Energy, it can be made possible, in one embodiment, for vehicles that are unlocked using mobile terminals that are set up to authenticate use of the vehicle to be less susceptible to relay attacks, as is possible, for example, with low-frequency electromagnetic fields for authentication.

[0008] The term "in" or "within", as used herein, is to be understood in particular as within the body of the vehicle, in the passenger compartment and / or in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, wherein an immediate proximity, in one embodiment, can be or is dependent on a, in particular maximum, charging distance of the (vehicle) charging system or, at least substantially, corresponds to an authentication range for the use of the vehicle.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method comprises verifying the authentication of the use of the vehicle, in particular as a preliminary step of the method. In one embodiment, the further steps of the method, in particular capturing position data of the mobile terminal, determining charging position data for the mobile terminal, and wirelessly charging the mobile terminal, are performed based on the authentication verification, in particular if the verification reveals that the mobile terminal authenticates the use of the vehicle.

[0010] Advantageously, in one embodiment, this makes it possible for only mobile devices that authenticate use of the vehicle to be charged wirelessly, in particular using the vehicle's charging system. Advantageously, in one embodiment, this makes it possible for mobile devices that do not authenticate use of the vehicle to be charged wirelessly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method comprises capturing charging data of the mobile device. In one embodiment, the charging data describe at least one charge state of an energy storage device of the mobile device, in particular with respect to the charging capacity of the energy storage device. In other words, in one embodiment, this can be used to detect the (current) charging capacity of the mobile device and / or how the mobile device is configured for wireless charging.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method comprises capturing charging requirement data. In one embodiment, the charging requirement data describe at least one charging requirement of the mobile terminal, in particular whether the mobile terminal can be charged and / or whether a setting or settings of the mobile terminal allow charging, preferably whether a charging capacity threshold predetermined by the user of the mobile terminal has been reached, in particular fallen below or exceeded, which, in one embodiment, describes whether the mobile terminal must or should be charged or whether it must or should not be charged.

[0013] In one embodiment, wireless charging is additionally based on the detected charging data and / or the detected charging requirement data.

[0014] Advantageously, in one embodiment, this allows for a particularly rapid (or faster) determination of whether wireless charging should or can be initiated. Advantageously, in one embodiment, this increases convenience for the vehicle user, in particular because the user does not have to connect the mobile device to a designated interface in the vehicle for charging and / or does not have to place the mobile device in a location in the vehicle set up for charging.

[0015] In one embodiment, the charging data is acquired and / or the charging requirement data is determined using a data channel, in particular a wireless one, which is configured to convey or verify authentication of the use of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the method is based on the use of Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and / or ultra-wideband (UWB). In particular, the acquisition of position data can be carried out using BLE and / or UWB, or the vehicle charging system and / or the mobile device is configured for this purpose. Advantageously, this allows the use of security protocols that are already implemented in BLE and / or UWB, so that the risk of an attack, such as a relay attack, is or can be minimized. In particular, in one embodiment, this makes it possible to dispense with a low-frequency antenna (LF antenna) in the vehicle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method additionally comprises checking, in particular repeatedly checking, the wireless charging, in particular adapting the wireless charging based on the check.

[0017] This advantageously makes it possible, in one embodiment, for poor charging performance of the mobile device to be detected, in particular at an early stage, and for wireless charging, in particular the determined charging position data, to be adjusted based on the check. This makes it possible, in one embodiment, for the mobile device to be charged, at least substantially, well and / or optimally.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method additionally comprises a, particularly repeated, acquisition of position data and a, particularly repeated, determination of charging position data. In one embodiment, at least one parameter of the wireless charging is changed in the event of a change in the determined charging position data, particularly if the determined charging position data differ from the determined position data of the mobile terminal.

[0019] In one embodiment, this advantageously allows wireless charging to continue even when the mobile device is moved within the vehicle interior and / or within a predetermined area around the vehicle. Advantageously, in one embodiment, wireless charging does not need to be interrupted when the mobile device is moved.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mobile terminal has a vehicle key, or in one embodiment is a vehicle key, or in one embodiment, has a digital key for authenticating the use of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the mobile terminal is an access device for the vehicle. In embodiments, the mobile terminal is a key, in particular a conventional key, a smartphone, a smart watch, a laptop, a tablet, or the like. As a result, in one embodiment, a mobile terminal, which is preferably a smart terminal, such as preferably a smartphone or a smart watch, can be used to authenticate use of the vehicle, in particular using a method described herein.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method comprises terminating the wireless charging if the detected position data describe that the mobile terminal is leaving the vehicle and / or the determined charging position data describe that the mobile terminal is moving and / or will move out of a, in particular possible, wireless charging area, or is leaving this area.

[0022] In one embodiment, this advantageously makes it possible for wireless charging to be correctly terminated, in particular when the mobile terminal is no longer in and / or on the vehicle.

[0023] It is within the scope of the invention that the method steps described above are carried out in a different order and / or method steps are combined and / or one method step is integrated into another method step.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle charging system for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal is provided, wherein the term in one embodiment refers to the fact that the vehicle has a charging system for wireless charging or that the charging system for wireless charging is arranged in and / or on the vehicle or that the vehicle has means configured for this purpose. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system is configured to carry out a method described herein. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system is additionally configured to check or detect authentication of the use of the vehicle with the aid of a mobile terminal. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system has means for detecting position data of a mobile terminal, in particular at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the mobile terminal.In one embodiment, the means for verifying / detecting the authentication of use and the means for detecting position data, in particular means for detecting charging data and / or means for determining charging requirement data, use at least substantially the same communication standard or the same communication means, in particular BLE and / or UWB, in particular their antenna(s) or modem(s). In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system has means for determining charging position data, in particular at least one antenna, preferably at least three antennas. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system has means for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal, in particular at least one antenna and / or at least one coil, preferably three or more antennas and / or three or more coils.

[0025] A system and / or means within the meaning of the present invention can be designed in hardware and / or software, in particular at least one, in particular digital, processing unit, in particular a microprocessor unit (CPU), graphics card (GPU) or the like, preferably connected to a memory and / or bus system for data or signals, and / or one or more programs or program modules. The processing unit can be designed to execute instructions implemented as a program stored in a memory system, to detect input signals from a data bus, and / or to output signals to a data bus. A memory system can have one or more, in particular different, storage media, in particular optical, magnetic, solid-state, and / or other non-volatile media. The program can be designed in such a way that it embodies the methods described here oris capable of carrying out such methods, so that the processing unit can carry out the steps of such methods and thus in particular operate or monitor the vehicle charging system.

[0026] In one embodiment, a computer program product can comprise, in particular be, a storage medium, in particular a computer-readable and / or non-volatile one, for storing a program or instructions or with a program or instructions stored thereon. In one embodiment, execution of this program or these instructions by a system or a controller, in particular a computer or an arrangement of multiple computers, causes the system or the controller, in particular the computer(s), to carry out a method described here or one or more of its steps, or the program or the instructions are configured to do so.

[0027] The computer program can in particular be stored on a non-volatile data carrier. This is preferably a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program as such is to be handled independently of a processor platform on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can be present as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and can be downloaded via a data connection, for example the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. In addition, the computer program can have a plurality of interacting individual program modules. The modules can in particular be configured or at least be usable in such a way that they can be used in the sense of distributed computing (DC).“Distributed computing” is carried out on different devices (computers or processor units) that are geographically separated from each other and connected via a data network.

[0028] The vehicle charging system can accordingly have a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the vehicle charging system can also be configured to access an external computer program, for example, available on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication connection, in particular to exchange data with it that is used during the execution of the method or computer program or that represents outputs of the computer program.

[0029] In one embodiment, one or more, in particular all, steps of the method are carried out completely or partially automatically, in particular by the controller or its means.

[0030] The terms "comprises," "includes," "includes," "has," "has," "with," or any other variation thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such a method or apparatus.

[0031] Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined to mean "one or more." The terms "another" and "a further," and any other variations thereof, are to be construed to mean "at least one further."

[0032] The term “configured” or “set up” to fulfil a specific function (and respective variations thereof), as used here where appropriate, is to be understood that a relevant device or component thereof is already in a design or setting in which it can perform the function or is at least adjustable – i.e. configurable – so that it can perform the function after being set accordingly. The configuration can be carried out, for example, by appropriately setting parameters of a process sequence or of switches or the like for activating or deactivating functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have a plurality of predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0033] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures.

[0034] This shows

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle with a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0036] Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0037] Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are reproduced in such a way that their function and general purpose are understandable to a person skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can, unless expressly stated otherwise, also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. Functional units can, in particular, be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 1 with a vehicle charging system 4. A mobile terminal 2 is schematically shown in two positions: once in dashed lines outside the vehicle 1 and in particular outside an area 5 around the vehicle 1, which is also shown schematically and in dashed lines, and once in full contour inside the vehicle 1.The first of the two mentioned positions corresponds to a position at which wireless charging S40 using the vehicle charging system 4 is (just) not yet possible or to a position for which it is predetermined that a mobile terminal 2 should not be charged there. The other of the mentioned positions within the vehicle 1 is also within the dashed area 5, in which wireless charging S40 of the mobile terminal 2 is possible. In one embodiment, the area 5 can correspond to an area 5 that is predetermined to authenticate the use of the vehicle 1. In other words, in one embodiment, the area that is predetermined for unlocking and / or opening the vehicle 1 can correspond to the area 5 that is provided for wireless charging of the mobile terminal 2.

[0038] In one embodiment, a user can approach a vehicle 1 with his mobile terminal 2, for which the mobile terminal 2 has an authorization for access to the vehicle 1 and with the aid of the method, in one embodiment, on the one hand, access to the vehicle 1 can be authorized, in particular as soon as the mobile terminal is within (or upon entry) an area 5 in which authentication for using the vehicle 1 is possible and, on the other hand, the mobile terminal 2 is wirelessly charged, preferably with the aid of the vehicle charging system 4, which has means for wireless charging 3, such as preferably antennas and / or coils.In this case, as indicated by the arrow, the position of the mobile terminal 2 can change, wherein the method processes this change in position and adapts the means for wireless charging 3 accordingly in order to wirelessly charge the mobile terminal 2 even in the changed position, for example in the vehicle 1 (in particular while the vehicle 1 is traveling). In one embodiment, this can occur until the mobile terminal 2 is fully charged or charged to a predetermined value, or until another parameter (charging requirement data), which is particularly relevant for wireless charging, ends or interrupts wireless charging. In this way, in embodiments, the security-relevant disadvantages of low-frequency authentication methods can be eliminated.

[0039] Fig. 2 schematically shows a flowchart to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. Acquisition of position data S20 is shown as a method step. The acquisition of position data S20 is followed by determination of charging position data S30. Furthermore, the method comprises wireless charging S40 of the mobile terminal. Furthermore, it is shown schematically (dashed) that the method further comprises acquisition of charging data S10 of the mobile terminal and / or acquisition of charging requirement data S11. Furthermore, the schematic flowchart shows that, in embodiments, at least parts of the method are or can be repeated. In Fig. 2, termination of the wireless charging S50 is also shown in dashed lines.

[0040] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of variations exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide one skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the subject matter as defined in the appended claims, as well as their legal equivalents.

[0041] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0042] 1 vehicle

[0043] 2 mobile devices

[0044] 3 ways to charge wirelessly

[0045] 4 Vehicle charging system

[0046] 5 Area

[0047] 510 Recording charging data

[0048] 511 Recording charging requirement data

[0049] S20 Recording position data

[0050] S30 Determining loading position data

[0051] S40 wireless charging

[0052] S50 Stop wireless charging.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal (2) configured to authenticate the use of a vehicle (1), with a vehicle charging system (4), comprising: Capturing (S20) position data of a mobile terminal (2) in and / or on a vehicle (1), wherein the mobile terminal (2) is configured to authenticate use of the vehicle (1) and wherein the position data describe at least one position of the mobile terminal (2) in relation to the vehicle (1); Determining (S30) charging position data for the mobile terminal (2) based on the acquired position data, wherein the charging position data describe at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle (1) that can be provided for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal (2) using the vehicle charging system (4); wirelessly charging (S40) the mobile terminal (2) based on the determined charging position data using the vehicle charging system (4).

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the method further comprises: Acquiring (S10) charging data of the mobile terminal (2), wherein the charging data describe at least one charging state of an energy storage device of the mobile terminal (2), in particular with regard to the charging capacity of the energy storage device; and / or Acquiring (S11) charging requirement data, wherein the charging requirement data describe at least one charging requirement of the mobile terminal (2), in particular whether the mobile terminal (2) can be charged and / or whether settings of the mobile terminal (2) permit charging; wherein the wireless charging (S40) is additionally based on the acquired charging data and / or the acquired charging requirement data.

3. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the acquisition (S10) of the charging data and / or the acquisition (S11) of the charging requirement data is carried out with the aid of a data channel, in particular a wireless one, which is designed to convey an authentication of the use of the vehicle (1).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method additionally comprises a, in particular repeated, checking of the wireless charging (S40), in particular an adaptation of the wireless charging based on the check.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method additionally comprises a, in particular repeated, acquisition (S20) of position data and determination (S30) of charging position data and in the event of a change in the determined charging position data, at least one parameter of the wireless charging (S40) is changed.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile terminal (2) is a vehicle key or has a digital key for authenticating the use of the vehicle (1).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acquisition (S20) of position data is carried out with the aid of at least one localization algorithm which is designed to authorize an engine start.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wireless charging (S40) comprises aligning a magnetic field designed for wireless charging of the mobile terminal (2) based on the detected position data and / or the determined charging position data.

9. Vehicle charging system (4) for wirelessly charging (S40) a mobile terminal (2), wherein the vehicle charging system (4) comprises means for authenticating the use of the vehicle by means of a mobile terminal (2) and means for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal (2), wherein the vehicle charging system is configured to Capturing (S20) position data of a mobile terminal (2) in and / or on a vehicle (1), wherein the mobile terminal (2) is configured to authenticate use of the vehicle (1) and wherein the position data describe at least one position of the mobile terminal (2) in relation to the vehicle (1); Determining (S30) charging position data for the mobile terminal (2) based on the acquired position data, wherein the charging position data describe at least one volume in and / or on the vehicle (1) that can be provided for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal (2) using the vehicle charging system (4); wirelessly charging (S40) the mobile terminal (2) based on the determined charging position data using the vehicle charging system (4).

10. A computer program or computer program product, wherein the computer program or computer program product contains instructions, in particular stored on a computer-readable and / or non-volatile storage medium, which, when executed by one or more computers or a vehicle charging system (4) according to claim 9, cause the computer(s) or the system to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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