Mobile device, access system and method for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile device, an access system and a vehicle. The mobile device is used to activate at least one security-relevant function in a vehicle (1) in order to allow access to the vehicle (1) and comprises: - at least two radio interfaces (30, 40), comprising a proximity interface (30), preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface (30), and a broadband interface (40), preferably in the form of a UWB interface (40), - at least one electronic control arrangement (50) for controlling the radio interfaces (30, 40), - an energy store (20) for supplying electrical energy to the radio interfaces (30, 40) and / or the control arrangement (50).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Mobile device, access system and method for a vehicle

[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile device, an access system and a method for a vehicle, each for activating a safety-relevant function on the vehicle.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] It is known from the prior art that Bluetooth—in particular, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)—and ultra-wideband (UWB) communication between a vehicle and an electronic key can be used to locate the electronic key on the vehicle. This allows for preparation of authentication and unlocking of the vehicle. This can increase security and convenience when accessing vehicles.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known solutions is that the communication interfaces on the mobile device often consume a lot of power, which reduces the battery life of the mobile device.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide optimized energy consumption.

[0009] The subject matter of the invention is a mobile device having the features of claim 1, an access system having the features of claim 10 and a method having the features of claim 12. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the mobile device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the access system according to the invention and the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the invention, mutual reference is always possible. The subject matter of the invention is in particular a mobile device, preferably in the form of a mobile identification transmitter, also referred to as an ID transmitter for short. The mobile device is preferably used to activate at least one safety-relevant function in a vehicle.A security-relevant function in this context can include unlocking the vehicle and / or opening a vehicle door and / or access control. Other examples of security-relevant functions can include opening the trunk, activating a parking and / or exiting function, and / or deactivating an alarm system.

[0010] The vehicle is designed, in particular, as a motor vehicle and / or passenger vehicle and / or truck. Furthermore, the vehicle can be designed as an electric vehicle and / or as an autonomous vehicle.

[0011] The mobile device can be configured to allow a user access to the vehicle, e.g., by initiating vehicle unlocking and / or automated vehicle door opening. It may be sufficient for the user to carry the mobile device with them without actively pressing a button on the mobile device. However, this may require that the mobile device's approach to the vehicle can be detected and, preferably, that a distance measurement is possible.

[0012] The mobile device can use various authentication and / or identification methods to activate the security-relevant function, such as exchanging a code, a cryptographic signature, verifying biometric characteristics, and / or entering a PIN. This may make it possible to perform an authorization check, i.e., verify whether a user is authorized to activate the security-relevant function using the mobile device.

[0013] The mobile device can be designed as an electronic key dedicated to activating the vehicle's security-relevant function. Alternatively, the mobile device can be designed as a smartphone, thus providing a variety of additional functions without involving the vehicle. However, if the mobile device differs from a smartphone, this has the advantage that the mobile device can be simpler and more compact—e.g., without a display or mobile network interface—and can therefore be produced more cost-effectively. It is also possible for the mobile device to be used to identify the driver, for example, to implement personalized settings in the vehicle.

[0014] The mobile device can have at least two radio interfaces. The two radio interfaces can include: a proximity interface, also referred to as a first radio interface, preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface, and a broadband interface, also referred to as a second radio interface, preferably in the form of a UWB interface.

[0015] The broadband interface preferably enables the mobile device to establish a connection with the vehicle when it is in close proximity to the vehicle. Furthermore, the broadband interface can also provide fine localization of the mobile device relative to the vehicle, such as UWB ranging.

[0016] The proximity interface, on the other hand, allows the mobile device to connect to the vehicle when it is at a greater distance.

[0017] The combination of broadband and proximity interfaces allows for a phased preparation for the activation of the safety-relevant function. In other words, the activation of the safety-relevant function can take place in several phases, depending on the distance of the mobile device from the vehicle.

[0018] The mobile device can have an electronic control arrangement for controlling the radio interfaces. Furthermore, the mobile device can have a (possibly rechargeable) energy storage device for supplying electrical energy to the radio interfaces and / or the control arrangement. The energy storage device and / or the control arrangement and / or at least partially also the radio interfaces can be arranged in a common housing of the mobile device.

[0019] The control arrangement can be designed to control the proximity interface to establish a connection with the vehicle in order to determine – upon initial proximity detection – that the mobile device is within a proximity range of the vehicle. This can have the advantage that the user of the mobile device is automatically connected to the vehicle upon approach, without having to manually establish a connection. In this way, the activation of the safety-relevant function or unlocking can be prepared, and operating convenience and safety can be increased. Furthermore, the proximity interface can be used to ensure that the broadband interface, which may have a higher energy consumption, only needs to be activated when the vehicle is within proximity of the vehicle.

[0020] It is also possible for the control arrangement to automatically disconnect at least one of the radio interfaces from the vehicle and / or lock the vehicle when the mobile device is outside of the proximity range and / or moves away from it. This ensures that the mobile device does not inadvertently remain connected to the vehicle and / or that the vehicle remains unlocked when the user leaves the vehicle.

[0021] The control arrangement can further be designed to control a receive and / or transmit mode at the broadband interface on the basis of the first approach detection, and in particular depending on a result of the first approach detection, preferably in response to a detection of the mobile device in the approach range, and / or to activate and / or deactivate the broadband interface, and / or to activate and / or deactivate a fine localization and / or second approach detection by means of the broadband interface.

[0022] This makes it possible to determine—especially during a second proximity detection—that the mobile device is in close proximity to the vehicle. The proximity zone can encompass the smaller close proximity zone. In other words, the close proximity zone can have a smaller area and / or a smaller radius around the vehicle than the approach zone.

[0023] It is conceivable that the mobile device will be automatically connected to the vehicle via the broadband interface when it is within close range and thus in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. This enables a seamless transition to fine-grained localization of the mobile device on the vehicle, in order to be able to carry out the authorization check and / or activation of the safety-relevant function in a timely manner. The broadband interface can therefore make it possible to locate the mobile device relative to the vehicle with greater accuracy and / or resolution than using the proximity interface, and on this basis to prepare and / or execute the activation of the safety-relevant function.It is possible for a connection, in particular UWB communication, between the broadband interface and the vehicle to detect when the mobile device is in close range to the vehicle and / or at a driver's door of the vehicle, in order to check the authorization and / or unlock and / or open the driver's door on the basis of this detection. It is also possible for the control arrangement to carry out at least one further action on the basis of this detection and / or the second proximity detection and / or the authorization check, in addition to unlocking and / or automatically opening a vehicle door, such as switching on the vehicle lights. This further increases driving comfort. Depending on the second proximity detection and preferably a fine localization, an authorization check can be initiated. The second proximity detection can, for example, be carried out via the broadband interface.This can be enabled by establishing a connection / communication between the broadband interface and the vehicle, indicating that the mobile device is within close range of the vehicle. If the second proximity detection detects that the mobile device is within close range, the authorization check can be initiated. This can be done, for example, by authenticating a user and / or the mobile device on the vehicle. It is possible that security-relevant functions such as unlocking and / or opening a door are activated depending on the authorization check.

[0024] Furthermore, the vehicle can also have at least one sensor device, such as a sensor for near-field communication, preferably in the area of ​​or on the door handle. The sensor device can detect an activation action on the vehicle, such as touching / pulling the door handle and / or approaching the door, in order to unlock and / or open the door based on this. If, for example, a user pulls the door handle and the authorization check has already been performed, the door can be opened directly. This leads to a significant increase in operating convenience.

[0025] However, if a user does not take the direct route to the door handle with the mobile device, but remains at the door or somewhere else on the vehicle (e.g. while refueling or loading the trunk), the functions provided by the radio interfaces consume a lot of energy over a longer period of time and the battery life of the mobile device decreases.

[0026] The control arrangement can therefore be designed to provide one or more energy-saving functions to reduce energy storage consumption. This can have the advantage of extending the service life of the energy storage device, enabling more reliable activation of the safety-relevant function, and reducing the overall operating costs of the system. It is also possible for the control arrangement to be capable of monitoring the charge level of the energy storage device and adjusting the system's performance accordingly to ensure optimal service life. The adjustment can, for example, include a gradual activation of the energy-saving functions.

[0027] The energy-saving functions can take advantage of the fact that deactivating individual components of the mobile device, such as the broadband interface, has a significant impact on energy consumption over the lifetime of the energy storage device. Therefore, the energy-saving functions can, in particular, enable situation-dependent activation and / or deactivation of functions and thus also of components of the mobile device. In addition to location-dependent control and / or activation and / or deactivation of the broadband interface based on the first proximity detection, this can also include time- and movement-dependent energy-saving functions.

[0028] Another situation that consumes a lot of energy is the operation of the proximity and / or broadband interface, preferably BLE or UWB, in receive mode. Therefore, the proximity and / or broadband interface can be configured to actively send a message to the vehicle to determine whether the mobile device is within the approach or close range. The transmission can occur repeatedly at intervals. This can also lead to significant power consumption. Therefore, it is conceivable that a motion sensor on the mobile device could be used to deactivate the proximity and / or broadband interface depending on movement, especially when stationary.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, within the scope of the invention, the control arrangement is designed to provide the energy-saving functions in the form of at least two or at least three different energy-saving functions. These can comprise movement- and time-dependent control, preferably activation and / or deactivation, of the proximity interface and / or broadband interface and / or parts of the control arrangement. One inventive idea particularly comprises the use of a timer and in particular a timer for the time-dependent shutdown of the broadband interface and preferably of UWB when the mobile device is within the proximity range, preferably the BLE range, and is connected to the vehicle via the proximity interface or BLE. The shutdown preferably occurs after a predetermined timer interval, such as after 10 minutes or 2 minutes.

[0030] Specifically, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement comprises a timer for determining a time duration, preferably the time duration for activation of the receive and / or transmit mode. The control arrangement can be designed to deactivate the broadband interface in a time-dependent manner based on the determined time duration, in particular to deactivate the receive and / or transmit mode again. A UWB function, in particular UWB ranging, is deactivated in a time-dependent manner, for example, by the timer in the form of a timer. The time duration can be in the range of 0.5 to 10 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 minutes. This can have the advantage that the energy consumption of the system can be significantly reduced.

[0031] The communication for controlling the control arrangement, in particular the timer, and at least one of the radio interfaces can take place, for example, via a bus, preferably via an SPI bus. In addition, communication between the proximity interface and another interface, such as an NFC interface in the mobile device, can be provided via an I2C bus. This can have the advantage of ensuring fast and reliable transmission of the control signals. By using the SPI bus, a high data rate can be achieved, which is particularly advantageous when transmitting larger amounts of data. The I2C bus, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for communication between the proximity interface and the NFC interface, as it enables a simple and flexible connection.

[0032] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement has an activation interface in order to reactivate the broadband interface and in particular the receive and / or transmit mode after the time-dependent deactivation based on an activation trigger, which is preferably specific to sensor detection on the vehicle. The activation trigger can be triggered by a sensor device on the vehicle that detects an action and / or approach to the vehicle. The action can be, for example, pulling on the vehicle handle. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the activation trigger is triggered by the motion sensor and / or a button on the mobile device. Other possibilities for triggering the activation trigger are actuation of a smartphone and / or localization of the mobile device by a UWB radar.For this purpose, the vehicle can, for example, switch to UWB radar mode and transmit a corresponding localization signal. UWB radar can also be referred to as broadband radar and is suitable for performing highly precise distance and position measurements.

[0033] Preferably, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement is designed to activate only the transmit mode and not the receive mode of the broadband interface and / or proximity interface. This can make it possible to determine, in a more energy-efficient manner, whether the mobile device is in the proximity range / proximity range around the vehicle by repeatedly transmitting a connection request (via the broadband and / or proximity interface) to the vehicle.In other words, the control arrangement can be designed to control the broadband interface / proximity interface to establish the connection with the vehicle by activating a repeated transmission of a connection request to the vehicle through the broadband interface / proximity interface, and deactivating a continuous reception mode of the broadband interface / proximity interface according to the at least one energy-saving function.

[0034] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement comprises a motion sensor to detect a standstill of the mobile device. The control arrangement can be designed to control the proximity interface and / or the broadband interface and / or the second proximity detection based on the standstill detection in a movement-dependent manner and preferably to deactivate it in a movement-dependent manner. The motion sensor can also be referred to as a motion sensor and can be suitable for deactivating the radio connections via BLE and / or UWB to reduce power consumption.

[0035] Furthermore, it is conceivable that in order to provide the energy saving function or one of the energy saving functions, the control arrangement is designed to deactivate the motion sensor as soon as the connection of the proximity interface to the vehicle is established and / or as soon as the first proximity detection determines that the mobile device is located in the proximity area around the vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement comprises a timer for determining a time period, preferably the time period for activation of the receive and / or transmit mode and / or the time period for deactivation of the motion sensor. The control arrangement can be designed to reactivate the motion sensor based on the determined time period. The time-dependent activation of the motion sensor can accordingly be provided by a timer in order to be able to use the energy-saving function of the motion sensor again. In other words, within the approach range, the timer can be responsible for deactivating the broadband interface or the energy-saving function, and outside the approach range, the motion sensor can be responsible for deactivating the broadband interface or the energy-saving function.

[0037] According to a further advantage, it can be provided that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement is designed to deactivate the receive mode in the form of a continuous receive mode and to initiate a repeated transmission of a connection request to the vehicle via the broadband interface. In particular, in response to the transmitted connection request, a confirmation response from the vehicle can then be detected in order to determine, as part of the second approach detection, whether the mobile device is in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. Based on the second approach detection, a fine localization of the mobile device in relation to the vehicle can then be carried out. Access to the vehicle can be granted based on the fine localization. Fine localization can also be referred to as ranging and can, for example, comprise a distance measurement.In other words, after the BLE connection, the mobile device no longer directly enters UWB reception mode, but first actively transmits a UWB test signal, which can be received by the vehicle to determine when the mobile device is within UWB range. Only then is ranging (precise localization) initiated.

[0038] The invention also relates to an access system comprising a mobile device according to the invention and further comprising a counter-proximity interface for the vehicle for communication with the proximity interface and / or a counter-broadband interface for the vehicle for communication with the broadband interface. Thus, the access system according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a mobile device.

[0039] The proximity interface is specifically provided in the form of a Bluetooth Low Energy interface. The proximity interface can, for example, have the following structure: A transmitter module can continuously transmit signals, which are received by a receiver module of the vehicle's counter-proximity interface. The reception strength of the signals can be measured, and the distance between the two modules can be calculated based on this. If the distance falls below a certain threshold, a signal can be triggered indicating that the two modules are within proximity of the vehicle. This process can also be referred to as distance measurement or ranging.

[0040] The broadband interface is specifically designed as a UWB (short for Ultra Wideband) interface. It can have the following structure: The interface can operate at a very high frequency and therefore transmit very broadband signals. Example frequency ranges for a UWB signal are 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, 6 to 8.5 GHz, or 4.2 to 4.8 GHz. More generally, a frequency range for the broadband interface can be in the range of 2 GHz to 10 GHz, preferably 3 GHz to 9 GHz. This has the advantage of enabling precise location of the mobile device and thus reliable initiation of authorization for access to the vehicle. Furthermore, UWB is less susceptible to interference and can therefore offer more interference-free fine localization. A transmitter of the broadband interface can transmit very short, broadband signals, which are received by a receiver of the counterpart broadband interface on the vehicle.It is also possible to use UWB radar, which emits high-frequency electromagnetic pulses to locate and track objects such as a mobile device or a user on the vehicle. This can be used, for example, by a sensor device to emit an activation trigger.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be provided that, to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement has an activation interface in order to reactivate the broadband interface and in particular the receive and / or transmit mode after the (in particular time-dependent) deactivation based on an activation trigger, which is preferably specific to sensor detection on the vehicle. A sensor device can be provided for the vehicle, in particular comprising a motion sensor and / or a near-field communication interface, in order to detect an activation action on the vehicle and, in response to the detection, to transmit the activation trigger to the activation interface. The activation trigger can result, for example, from the movement and / or proximity detection of the sensor device, or alternatively or additionally from an actuation such as a button press on the mobile device.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for activating at least one safety-relevant function in a vehicle in order to enable access to the vehicle.

[0043] A first method step of the method according to the invention can comprise: providing at least two radio interfaces of a mobile device, comprising a proximity interface, preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface, and a broadband interface, preferably in the form of a UWB interface.

[0044] A further method step of the method according to the invention may comprise: providing an electronic control arrangement of the mobile device for controlling the radio interfaces,

[0045] A further method step of the method according to the invention can comprise: controlling the proximity interface to establish a connection with the vehicle in order to thereby determine - upon a first proximity detection - that the mobile device is located in an approach area around the vehicle.

[0046] A further method step of the method according to the invention can comprise: controlling a receive and / or transmit mode at the broadband interface based on the first proximity detection, in order to thereby determine—upon a second proximity detection—that the mobile device is located in a close range around the vehicle, wherein the proximity range encompasses the smaller close range. The close range can have an area of ​​less than 90%, less than 60%, or less than 40% of the area of ​​the proximity range.

[0047] A further method step of the method according to the invention can comprise: providing one or more energy-saving functions by the control arrangement to reduce energy consumption of the mobile device. Thus, the method according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a mobile device according to the invention. Furthermore, the method can be suitable for operating a mobile device according to the invention and / or an access system according to the invention.

[0048] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions is provided by determining a time period, preferably the time period for activation of the receive and / or transmit mode, and based on the determined time period, the broadband interface and / or activation interface is deactivated in a time-dependent manner, in particular the receive and / or transmit mode is deactivated again. The following steps can be provided:

[0049] Monitoring an activation action on the vehicle, preferably an approach to a door handle or a vehicle door,

[0050] Sending an activation trigger based on the monitoring,

[0051] Receiving the activation trigger by the mobile device,

[0052] Activating the broadband interface and in particular the receive and / or transmit mode based on the received activation trigger.

[0053] This allows re-activation by the vehicle and especially when the door handle is operated.

[0054] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous to perform distance detection to detect when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle again, preferably from the near range and / or from the approach range, in order to automatically lock the vehicle in response. If UWB remains disabled, the vehicle can therefore also be locked when the mobile device leaves the approach range—i.e., BLE. With UWB enabled, the vehicle can be locked as usual when the mobile device leaves the near range—i.e., UWB.

[0055] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show:

[0056] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a mobile device and access system according to embodiments of the invention.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a mobile device and a visualization of different phases in the authorization check.

[0058] Fig. 3 a visualization of the different areas around the vehicle.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows a schematic structure of a mobile device according to embodiments of the invention.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation for visualizing a method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0061] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 illustrates a mobile device 10, which can be provided as part of an access system 300 of a vehicle 1. The mobile device 10 can be designed as a mobile identification transmitter and can serve to activate at least one security-relevant function in the vehicle 1. This makes it possible to establish access to the vehicle 1.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows at least two radio interfaces 30, 40 of the mobile device 10. The radio interfaces 30, 40 comprise, in particular, a proximity interface 30, preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface 30, and a broadband interface 40, preferably in the form of a UWB interface 40 for UWB communication. The latter is used in particular for UWB ranging, i.e., for determining the distance between the mobile device 10 and the vehicle 1 using ultra-wideband technology. Furthermore, an electronic control arrangement 50 for controlling the radio interfaces 30, 40 and an energy storage device 20 for supplying electrical energy to the radio interfaces 30, 40 and / or the control arrangement 50 can be provided.

[0064] The proximity interface 30 can be controlled by the control arrangement 50 to establish a connection with the vehicle 1, in order to thereby determine—upon a first proximity detection—that the mobile device 10 is located within a proximity range 210 around the vehicle 1. Similarly, the broadband interface 40 can be controlled by the control arrangement 50 to activate a receive and / or transmit mode of the broadband interface 40 based on the first proximity detection, in particular triggered by the first proximity detection. In this way, after activation—upon a second proximity detection—it can be determined that the mobile device 10 is located within a proximity range 220 around the vehicle 1. The second proximity detection can preferably comprise a distance determination and, in particular, UWB ranging by the broadband interface 40.

[0065] In Fig. 1 as well as in Figs. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the approach area 210 includes the smaller near area 220. This makes it possible to initially detect an approach into the approach area 210 in an energy-efficient manner via the proximity interface 30 and in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) before—triggered by this first approach detection—the broadband interface 40 or UWB ranging with higher energy consumption must be activated in the near area 220.

[0066] To further optimize energy consumption, one or more energy-saving functions can be provided by the mobile device 10. In particular, the control arrangement 50 is designed to provide the energy-saving functions in the form of at least two or at least three different energy-saving functions, which include movement- and / or time-dependent control, preferably activation and deactivation, of the proximity interface 30 and broadband interface 40, and in particular of parts of the control arrangement 50.

[0067] Fig. 2 illustrates various phases of the authorization check. According to a first phase a, the mobile device 10 is outside the range of the vehicle 1. Only in phase b is a connection established via the proximity interface 30. Due to the excessive distance, a connection establishment via the broadband interface 40 is not yet possible in this phase b. In the third phase c, it can additionally be detected that the mobile device 10 is within range of a UWB communication. Fine localization, also referred to as UWB ranging, can then be initiated via the broadband interface 40. Furthermore, in the third phase c, a timer 52 can be activated in order to deactivate the broadband interface 40 or the fine localization again after a predetermined period of time. This is useful, for example, for energy savings if a user 5 does not approach the vehicle door 3 directly with the mobile device 10 (variant A, see Fig.2 and 3) but initially remains at another location on vehicle 1 (variant B, see Figs. 2 and 3). For example, user 5 remains near vehicle 1 to load the trunk. If the time exceeds a threshold, such as 2 minutes, fine localization / UWB ranging can be deactivated. The connection via proximity interface 30 can remain. However, it may be possible to increase the BLE cycle time for this connection to further save power.

[0068] After the time-dependent deactivation of the broadband interface 40 and / or the transmission and / or reception mode of the broadband interface 40 and / or the fine localization, it may only be reactivated after a further condition is met. A further condition, for example, is the sensory detection of the user 5 at the vehicle door 3 by a sensor device 4 (see Fig. 1) and / or the actuation of a button 80 on the mobile device 10 (see Fig. 4).

[0069] In the fourth phase d shown in Fig. 2, for example, when approaching the door, the authorization check can be initiated and / or the vehicle door 3 can be opened. The opening of the door 3 can be initiated, for example, by a further interface 60 of the mobile device 10 shown in Fig. 4, e.g., for near-field communication (NFC).

[0070] Another possibility for reactivating the broadband interface 40 or the fine localization is when the user 5 leaves the approach area 210 and then approaches the vehicle 1 again. In this case, the broadband interface 40 and also the timer 52 can be reactivated, although a backlash protection can be used if necessary (for example, reactivation can occur a maximum of three times and a lock-out period of several minutes can be set afterwards). If the battery capacity of the energy storage device 20 decreases, further energy-saving measures can be activated if necessary. These include, for example, reducing the duration and / or increasing the interval at which messages are exchanged for UBW ranging.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows that, to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement 50 can include a timer 52. The timer 52 can be capable of determining a time period, preferably the time period for activating the receive and / or transmit mode. The control arrangement 50 can be configured to deactivate the broadband interface 40 in a time-dependent manner based on the determined time period, in particular to deactivate the receive and / or transmit mode and / or the second proximity detection again.

[0072] Furthermore, to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement 50 can have an activation interface 53 to reactivate the broadband interface 40, and in particular the receive and / or transmit mode, after the time-dependent deactivation based on an activation trigger, which is preferably specific for sensor detection on the vehicle 1. The activation trigger can be triggered, for example, by a button 80 and / or by the further interface 60 or NFC interface 60 and / or by a sensor device 4 of the vehicle 1 (see Fig. 1). The activation interface 53 can optionally also be provided at least partially by the further interface 60.

[0073] Furthermore, to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement 50 can comprise a motion sensor 51 to detect a standstill of the mobile device 10. The control arrangement 50 can be configured to control the proximity interface 30 and / or the broadband interface 40 and / or the second proximity detection based on the standstill detection in a motion-dependent manner and preferably to deactivate them in a motion-dependent manner.

[0074] Fig. 4 illustrates the access system 300 according to embodiments of the invention in further detail. A counter-proximity interface 310 for the vehicle 1 for communication with the proximity interface 30 and a counter-broadband interface 320 for the vehicle 1 for communication with the broadband interface 40 may be provided.

[0075] Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows that the interfaces 30, 40, 60 can be connected to respective antennas 70.

[0076] The proximity interface 30 and / or the broadband interface 40 can be controlled by the motion sensor 51 via an SPI bus. For this purpose, appropriate electronics and / or software can be implemented, for example, which sends the signals and / or data from the motion sensor 51 to the proximity interface 30 via the SPI bus, thus enabling control, preferably activation and / or deactivation, of the proximity interface 30. Furthermore, a further interface 60, such as an NFC interface 60, can also be provided. This enables the mobile device 100 to be located directly on the vehicle 1, for example, to enable unlocking and / or door opening and / or triggering of the activation trigger. The further interface 60 can communicate with the proximity interface 30 via an I2C bus.

[0077] Furthermore, a charging device 65, such as a Qi interface, can be provided in the mobile device 100 and electrically connected to the energy storage device 20 in order to wirelessly charge the energy storage device 20 and thus the mobile device 100. The Qi interface preferably enables contactless energy transfer between a Qi charger and the charging device 65 of the mobile device 100.

[0078] Fig. 5 illustrates a method 100 for activating at least one safety-relevant function in a vehicle 1. The method 100 serves, in particular, to enable access to the vehicle 1.

[0079] According to a first method step 101, at least two radio interfaces 30, 40 of a mobile device 10 are provided, comprising a proximity interface 30, preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface 30, and a broadband interface 40, preferably in the form of a UWB interface 40.

[0080] According to a second method step 102, an electronic control arrangement 50 of the mobile device 10 is provided for controlling the radio interfaces 30, 40.

[0081] According to a third method step 103, the proximity interface 30 is controlled to establish a connection with the vehicle 1 in order to determine—upon a first proximity detection—that the mobile device 10 is located in a proximity range 210 around the vehicle 1. The connection is, in particular, a BLE connection, and the proximity range 210 is, in particular, a BLE range.

[0082] According to a fourth method step 104, a broadband interface 40 and / or a receive and / or transmit mode of the broadband interface 40 are activated based on the first proximity detection, in order to thereby determine—upon a second proximity detection—that the mobile device 10 is located in a close range 220 around the vehicle 1. For this purpose, the broadband interface 40 can use a UWB connection to the vehicle 1.

[0083] According to a fifth method step 105, the control arrangement 50 provides one or more energy-saving functions to reduce energy consumption of the mobile device 10. The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively within the scope of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0084] List of reference symbols

[0085] 1 vehicle

[0086] 2 door handles

[0087] 3 vehicle door

[0088] 4 Sensor device

[0089] 5 users

[0090] 10 Mobile device, ID transmitter

[0091] 20 energy storage, battery, rechargeable battery

[0092] 30 Proximity interface, short-distance interface, Bluetooth interface, BLE-

[0093] interface

[0094] 40 Broadband interface, UWB interface

[0095] 50 Control arrangement

[0096] 51 Motion sensor

[0097] 52 timers

[0098] 53 Activation interface

[0099] 60 additional interfaces, NFC

[0100] 65 loading device

[0101] 70 antennas

[0102] 80 buttons

[0103] 100 procedures

[0104] 210 first area, approach area

[0105] 220 second area, close range

[0106] 300 access system

[0107] 310 Counter-proximity interface

[0108] 320 Counter broadband interface

[0109] 30,40 radio interfaces

Claims

Claims 1. A mobile device (10), in particular a mobile identification transmitter, for activating at least one security-relevant function in a vehicle (1) in order to enable access to the vehicle (1), comprising: at least two radio interfaces (30, 40), comprising a proximity interface (30), preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface (30), and a broadband interface (40), preferably in the form of a UWB interface (40), an electronic control arrangement (50) for controlling the radio interfaces (30, 40), an energy storage device (20) for supplying electrical energy to the radio interfaces (30, 40) and / or the control arrangement (50), wherein the control arrangement (50) is designed to: control the proximity interface (30) to establish a connection with the vehicle (1) in order to thereby determine - upon a first proximity detection -that the mobile device (10) is located in an approach area (210) around the vehicle (1), to control a receive and / or transmit mode at the broadband interface (40) on the basis of the first approach detection, in order to thereby determine - upon a second approach detection - that the mobile device (10) is located in a close range (220) around the vehicle (1), wherein the approach area (210) comprises the smaller close range (220), to provide one or more energy-saving functions in order to reduce consumption of the energy storage device (20).

2. Mobile device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control arrangement (50) is designed to provide the energy-saving functions in the form of at least two or at least three different energy-saving functions, which comprise a movement- and time-dependent control, preferably activation and deactivation, of the proximity interface (30) and broadband interface (40) and in particular of parts of the control arrangement (50).

3. Mobile device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) comprises a timer (52) in order to determine a time period, preferably the time period of an activation of the receive and / or transmit mode, wherein the control arrangement (50) is designed to deactivate the broadband interface (40) in a time-dependent manner on the basis of the determined time period, in particular to deactivate the receive and / or transmit mode again.

4. Mobile device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) has an activation interface (53) in order to reactivate the broadband interface (40) and in particular the reception and / or transmission mode after the time-dependent deactivation on the basis of an activation trigger, which is preferably specific for sensor detection on the vehicle (1).

5. Mobile device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) is designed to activate only the transmission mode and not the reception mode of the broadband interface (40) in order to determine in a more energy-efficient manner by repeatedly transmitting a connection request to the vehicle (1) whether the mobile device (10) is in the close range (220) around the vehicle (1).

6. Mobile device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) comprises a motion sensor (51) to detect a standstill of the mobile device (10), wherein the control arrangement (50) is designed to control the proximity interface (30) and / or the broadband interface (40) in a movement-dependent manner on the basis of the standstill detection and preferably to deactivate it in a movement-dependent manner.

7. Mobile device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) is designed to deactivate the motion sensor (51) as soon as the connection of the proximity interface (30) to the vehicle (1) is established and / or the first proximity detection determines that the mobile device (10) is located in the proximity area (210) around the vehicle (1).

8. Mobile device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy saving function or one of the energy saving functions, the control arrangement (50) comprises a timer (52) to determine a time period, preferably the time period of activation of the receive and / or transmit mode and / or the time period of deactivation of the motion sensor (51), wherein the control arrangement (50) is designed to reactivate the motion sensor (51) on the basis of the determined time period.

9. Mobile device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) is designed to deactivate the reception mode in the form of a continuous reception mode and to cause a repeated transmission of a connection request to the vehicle (1) via the broadband interface (40), and in particular to recognize a confirmation response from the vehicle (1) in response to the transmitted connection request in order to determine, as part of the second approach detection, whether the mobile device (10) is in the close range (220) around the vehicle (1), in order to carry out a fine localization of the mobile device (10) with respect to the vehicle (1) on the basis of the second approach detection, in order to release access to the vehicle (1) on the basis of the fine localization.

10. An access system (300) comprising a mobile device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a counter-proximity interface (310) for the vehicle (1) for communication with the proximity interface (30), and a counter-broadband interface (320) for the vehicle (1) for communication with the broadband interface (40).

11. Access system (300) according to claim 10, characterized in that, in order to provide the energy-saving function or one of the energy-saving functions, the control arrangement (50) has an activation interface (53) in order to reactivate the broadband interface (40) and in particular the receive and / or transmit mode after the time-dependent deactivation on the basis of an activation trigger, which is preferably specific for sensor detection on the vehicle (1), wherein a sensor device (4) is provided for the vehicle (1), in particular comprising a motion sensor and / or a near-field communication interface, in order to detect an activation action on the vehicle (1) and to transmit the activation trigger to the activation interface (53) in response to the detection.

2. Method (100) for activating at least one safety-relevant function in a vehicle (1) to enable access to the vehicle (1), comprising: Providing (101) at least two radio interfaces (30, 40) of a mobile device (10), comprising a proximity interface (30), preferably in the form of a Bluetooth and preferably Bluetooth Low Energy interface (30), and a broadband interface (40), preferably in the form of a UWB interface (40), Providing (102) an electronic control arrangement (50) of the mobile device (10) for controlling the radio interfaces (30, 40), - controlling (103) the proximity interface (30) to establish a connection with the vehicle (1) in order to thereby determine - upon a first proximity detection - that the mobile device (10) is located in an approach area (210) around the vehicle (1), - controlling (104) a receive and / or transmit mode at the broadband interface (40) on the basis of the first proximity detection, in order to thereby determine - upon a second proximity detection - that the mobile device (10) is located in a close range (220) around the vehicle (1), wherein the close range (210) comprises the smaller close range (220), Providing (105) one or more energy saving functions by the control arrangement (50) in order to reduce energy consumption of the mobile device (10).

13. Method (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the energy saving function or one of the energy saving functions is provided by determining a time duration, preferably the time duration of an activation of the receive and / or transmit mode, and on the basis of the determined time duration, the broadband interface (40) is deactivated in a time-dependent manner, in particular the receive and / or transmit mode is deactivated again, wherein the following steps are provided: Monitoring an activation action on the vehicle (1), preferably an approach to a door handle (2) or a vehicle door (3) of the vehicle (1), - Sending an activation trigger based on the monitoring, Receiving the activation trigger by the mobile device (10), - activating the broadband interface (40) and in particular the receive and / or transmit mode based on the received activation trigger.

14. Method (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a distance detection is carried out in order to detect when the mobile device (10) moves away from the vehicle (1) again, preferably from the near range (220) and / or from the approach range (210), in order to automatically lock the vehicle (1) in response thereto.

15. Method (100) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the method (100) is carried out for operating a mobile device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or an access system (300) according to claim 10.

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