Method, computer program, device and vehicle

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method performed by a device of a vehicle. The method can be used for establishing a communication link of the device to a short-range communication network. The method comprises obtaining interior data from an optical imaging sensor. The interior data are indicative of an interior of the vehicle. The method further comprises determining, based on the interior data, connection data indicative of a parameter for connecting to a short-range communication network. The method further comprises connecting, based on the connection data, to the short-range communication network.

Description

[0001] Method, computer program, device and vehicle

[0002] Description

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, a computer program, a device and a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a concept for establishing a connection with a short-range communication network based on interior data of a vehicle.

[0004] To establish a connection to a short-range communication network, such as adding a new Wi-Fi network or a hotspot in the vehicle, customer input of connection parameters is required. This input can be error-prone and / or degrade the customer experience.

[0005] There is therefore a need to provide an improved method for establishing a connection to a short-range communication network. The method, the device, the computer program, and the vehicle, according to the independent claims, address this need.

[0006] Examples of implementations are based on the core idea that a method for establishing a connection to a short-range communication network can be initialized using interior data from the vehicle. This eliminates the need for manual input of information by the vehicle user, thereby improving the user experience.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments relate to a method carried out by a vehicle device. The method can be for establishing a communication link between the device and a short-range communication network. The method includes receiving interior data from an optical imaging sensor. The interior data is indicative of the vehicle's interior. Furthermore, the method includes determining, based on the interior data, connection data indicative of a parameter for connecting to a short-range communication network. The method further includes connecting to the short-range communication network based on the connection data. The interior data allows the device to obtain information suitable for determining connection data. For example, a user of the vehicle can present information in the interior, such as a QR code, which can be detected by the optical imaging sensor.Accordingly, the device can analyze the indoor data to determine a parameter for connecting to the short-range communication network. This eliminates the need for input, such as a password, to establish a connection to a short-range communication network.

[0008] In one embodiment, the indoor data can be indicative of information displayed on a user terminal's screen. Connecting to the short-range communication network can be a connection to a short-range communication network provided by the user terminal. For example, the user terminal can display a QR code containing information about the short-range communication network provided by the user terminal. This allows the device to connect to the user terminal's short-range communication network in a simplified manner. In this case, the user terminal can act as a relay station.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method can further include receiving a trigger event. The acquisition of interior data can be triggered by this event. For example, opening a vehicle door or a user's voice command could be a trigger event. Using the trigger event, a connection to the short-range communication network can be established when needed.

[0010] In one embodiment, the trigger event can be received by an input device of the vehicle. For example, a user of the vehicle can use an input device to start the process. This allows the process to be activated in a targeted manner by a user.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method can further include identifying a user of the short-range communication network and determining the user's location. The method can also include identifying an infotainment device associated with the user's location and connecting that specific infotainment device to the short-range communication network. This allows the infotainment device to be configured for a particular user. In particular, a communication link of the infotainment device can be tailored to a specific vehicle user. For example, the vehicle can include multiple infotainment devices that can be connected to multiple users. Accordingly, the multiple infotainment devices can be connected to different users.In one embodiment, the method can further include determining, based on the interior data, additional connection data indicative of a parameter for connecting to another short-range communication network, and connecting to that additional short-range communication network based on the connection data. This allows multiple infotainment devices to be connected to different short-range communication networks. For example, a user can make their data connection, such as their mobile network connection or their own Wi-Fi communication network, such as from their residence, available to an infotainment device assigned to them.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method can further include identifying another user of the additional short-range communication network and identifying the location of that additional user. The method can also include identifying an infotainment device associated with that additional user's location and connecting that specific infotainment device to the additional short-range communication network. This allows a user-specific connection to be established for one or more infotainment devices. For example, the infotainment device associated with the additional user can be the same infotainment device associated with the user, or it can be a different infotainment device (different from the user's infotainment device).

[0013] Exemplary embodiments also include a computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein, if the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.

[0014] Another embodiment is a device for connecting to a short-range communication network. The device comprises an interface for communication with other communication devices (e.g., a user terminal or a router) and a data processing circuit configured to perform at least one of the methods described herein. Further embodiments include a vehicle equipped with a device as described herein.

[0015] Examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show:

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method carried out by a device of a vehicle; and Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for connecting to a short-range communication network.

[0017] Several embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some of these embodiments are illustrated. For the sake of clarity, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated in the figures.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method 100 carried out by a device of a vehicle. The method 100 can be for establishing a communication connection between the device and a short-range communication network. A short-range communication network can be, for example, a WLAN communication network or a Bluetooth communication network. In particular, the short-range communication network cannot be a communication network that can be classified as mobile communication, for example, 3G, 4G, or 5G.

[0019] Method 100 comprises obtaining interior data from an optical imaging sensor. The interior data is indicative of the vehicle's interior. The optical imaging sensor can be a camera or an event camera. The optical imaging sensor can capture an image of the vehicle's interior. That is, the interior data can be indicative of an image of the vehicle's interior.

[0020] Furthermore, the procedure includes determining connection data indicatively for a parameter for connecting to a short-range communication network. This determination is based on the vehicle's interior data. For example, a vehicle user can present a structure within the vehicle's interior, perhaps holding it towards the optical image sensor. The structure can contain data for establishing a connection to the short-range communication network or be indicative of such data. For example, the user can hold a piece of paper with the name of the short-range communication network and / or a password for the short-range communication network towards the optical image sensor. That is, the structure can be a piece of paper. The parameter can then be, for example, the password, which can be determined by image recognition based on the interior data.Alternatively, the user can hold another structure containing data encoding, such as a QR code or a dot pattern, towards the optical imaging sensor. The parameter for connecting to the short-range communication network can be encoded in the structure. Accordingly, the device can determine parameter 120 by image recognition and evaluation of the structure. Method 100 further comprises connecting 130 to the short-range communication network. The connection 130 is based on the connection data, for example, the determined parameter. For example, the short-range communication network can be provided by a user terminal device or a router. That is, connecting 130 to the short-range communication network can include establishing a connection with a user terminal device or a router.By setting parameter 120, manual entry of information for establishing a connection to the short-range communication network is eliminated. This prevents errors caused by incorrect input during connection establishment. Furthermore, complex passwords can be used for the short-range communication network, as manual entry is no longer required. This increases the security of the short-range communication network.

[0021] In particular, a vehicle's interior camera can be used as an optical image sensor. For example, the vehicle's interior camera can capture or scan a structure, such as a QR code or OCR text, containing data for establishing a connection to the short-range communication network. Based on this data, a connection to the short-range communication network, such as a WLAN, can be established. Determining the connection can, for example, involve decoding the structure. Alternatively, determining the connection can be based on OCR text recognition; in this case, the data for establishing the connection to the short-range communication network can be read in. For example, the specified parameter could be a WLAN / Bluetooth network name, a password, and / or a WLAN / Bluetooth security type.The specified parameter can be used to establish a connection to the short-range communication network. Optionally, the parameter can be saved, for example, in the device's memory. This simplifies reconnecting to the short-range communication network and / or facilitating the initial connection when the short-range communication network becomes available in the future.

[0022] The proposed procedure 100 provides the user with a simple and / or quick way to connect to a (new) short-range communication network. In particular, a connection can be established without having to enter a password in the vehicle's head unit. This allows the user to use complex passwords instead of weak ones. Optionally, information about the short-range communication network can be stored. For example, the short-range communication network can be stored or registered in memory, such as the memory of the head unit, for later use. Specifically, the process steps 110 (receiving information) and 120 (determining connection data) can be performed at different times than the process step 130 (connecting to the short-range communication network).The parameter for connecting to the short-range communication network can also be determined if the short-range communication network is unavailable. In this case, the device can save the parameter for later use. If the short-range communication network associated with the parameter is available, a connection can be established. This allows the short-range communication network to be saved or registered for later use, even if it is unavailable. For example, the short-range communication network might be available at a specific location. By predetermining parameter 120, establishing a connection to the short-range communication network, if available at that specific location, can be simplified.

[0023] For example, the device can include or perform an application for image recognition and / or image evaluation and / or OCR text recognition. That is, the method 100 can, for example, capture or scan the display content of a user terminal device or a printed medium (e.g., business card, paper) inside the vehicle using the optical imaging sensor, such as an integrated vehicle interior camera. Based on the data from the optical imaging sensor, object recognition and / or text recognition can be performed. For example, the data from the optical imaging sensor can be indicative of text and / or a machine-readable code, such as a QR code. A user can scan a structure, such as a QR code or text, containing the data to establish a connection to the short-range communication network, among other things.Point the device, which contains a password, towards the vehicle's interior camera. The structure can be automatically recorded by the vehicle's interior camera, and the parameter for establishing a connection to the short-range communication network can be extracted and / or decoded and used to establish the connection. For example, the parameter can be used by an application of the device, such as a vehicle-specific application, to establish a connection to the short-range communication network.

[0024] In one embodiment, the interior data can be indicative of information displayed on a user terminal device. Connecting to the short-range communication network can be a connection to a short-range communication network provided by the user terminal device. Method 100 can therefore, in particular, establish a connection between the vehicle's device and a short-range communication network of a user terminal device belonging to a user of the vehicle. For example, based on image recognition, the device can determine that the user is holding a structure on a display of the user terminal device in the direction of the optical image sensor. Optionally, a connection to a short-range communication network can be established, preferably with the short-range communication network of the user terminal device.For example, an active connection with another short-range communication network can be interrupted or terminated to establish a connection with the user's short-range communication network. This allows a user-specific connection to be established with a short-range communication network.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method 100 can further include receiving a trigger event. The acquisition of the interior data can be triggered by the trigger event. For example, opening a vehicle door or a user's voice command can be a trigger event. The trigger event can then initiate the acquisition of the interior data 110. In particular, the trigger event can initiate (active) operation of the optical imaging sensor. This can reduce the energy consumption of the optical imaging sensor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the trigger event can be received by an input device of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle user can use an input device, such as a central control console or a touchscreen of an infotainment system, to start the procedure 100. This allows the procedure 100 to be activated in a targeted manner by a user. This can reduce the energy required to execute the procedure 100.

[0027] In one embodiment, Method 100 can further include identifying a user of the short-range communication network and identifying the user's location. Method 100 can also include identifying an infotainment device associated with the user's location and connecting that specific infotainment device to the short-range communication network. By connecting the specific infotainment device, it can be configured for the user. For example, the infotainment device can be connected to the short-range communication network of the user's terminal device. This allows the infotainment device to access data communication from the user's terminal device. For example, the infotainment device can offer a service that depends on mobile data. The infotainment device can then access the user's mobile data connection via the terminal device.This allows a service to be provided through the infotainment device. For example, a user can access a video stream, a newsletter, or a news website using the infotainment device. This allows any data generated by the service to be transmitted via the data connection (e.g., a mobile connection, a private Wi-Fi network) of the user's device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method 100 can further comprise determining, based on the interior data, additional connection data indicative of a parameter for connecting to another short-range communication network, and connecting, based on the connection data, to the additional short-range communication network. This allows a plurality of infotainment devices to be connected to different short-range communication networks. For example, a user can make their data connection available to an infotainment device assigned to them.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method 100 can further include identifying another user of the additional short-range communication network and identifying the location of that other user. The method 100 can further include identifying an infotainment device associated with the location of that other user and connecting that identified infotainment device to the additional short-range communication network. This allows a user-specific connection to be established for one or more infotainment devices. For example, the infotainment device associated with the other user can be the same infotainment device. In this case, the infotainment device can use both the user's terminal device and the terminal device of the other user as a relay station. That is, depending on which data connection is better suited for executing a service or...If a function of the infotainment system is suitable, the corresponding data connection can be selected by the system. Alternatively, different infotainment systems can be connected to different data connections belonging to different users. This allows each user to utilize the infotainment system in a specific way within the scope of their data connection.

[0030] The user terminal can generally be any device capable of wireless communication. Specifically, the user terminal can be a mobile device, such as one designed to be carried by a user. The user terminal can be, for example, a User Terminal (UT) or User Equipment (UE) as defined by the respective communication standards used for mobile communication. The user terminal can be, for instance, a mobile phone like a smartphone, or another type of mobile communication device such as a smartwatch, laptop, tablet computer, autonomous augmented reality glasses, etc.

[0031] Although Method 100 is described for a vehicle with an interior, it is not limited to vehicles with an interior. Rather, Method 100 can be used for any means of transport, such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, or a scooter. For example, in the case of a bicycle, the interior data can include data from the bicycle's surroundings. That is, if the means of transport does not have an interior, the interior data can be understood as environmental data for the means of transport. In this case, Method 100 can be performed based on the environmental data.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 30 for connecting to a short-range communication network. The device 30 includes an interface 32 for communication with other communication devices (e.g., with a user terminal or a router). The device 30 further includes a data processing circuit 34 configured to carry out at least one of the methods described herein, for example, the method described for the device with reference to Fig. 1. Further embodiments relate to a vehicle 40 with a device 30.

[0033] The interface 32 shown in Fig. 2 can, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, such as digital bit values ​​based on a code, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. The interface 32 can, for example, be configured to communicate with other network components via a (radio) network or a local area network.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the data processing circuit 34 can correspond to any controller or processor, or to a programmable hardware component. For example, the data processing circuit 34 can also be implemented as software programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the data processing circuit 34 can be implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted software. Any processor, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), can be used. These exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processor, or even multiple processors, are conceivable for implementing the data processing circuit 34.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the interface 32 can be coupled to the respective data processing circuit 34 of the device 30. In examples, the device 30 can be implemented by one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, or any processing means, such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component that can be operated with appropriately adapted software. Likewise, the described functions of the data processing circuit 34 can also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, etc.The data processing circuit 34 can be able to control the interface 32, so that any data transmission that takes place via the interface 32 and / or any interaction in which the interface 32 may be involved can be controlled by the data processing circuit 34.

[0036] In one embodiment, the device 30 may comprise a memory and at least one data processing circuit 34 which is functionally coupled to the memory and configured to perform one of the methods described above.

[0037] In examples, interface 32 can correspond to any means of receiving, receiving, transmitting, or providing analog or digital signals or information, such as any connector, contact, pin, register, input terminal, output terminal, conductor, track, etc., that enables the provision or receipt of a signal or information. Interface 32 can be wireless or wired and can be configured to communicate with other internal or external components, such as sending or receiving signals or information.

[0038] In at least some embodiments, the vehicle 40 can correspond, for example, to a land vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, a road vehicle, a car, a bus, a motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle, a motor vehicle, or a truck. The device 30 can, for example, be a part of or a control unit of the vehicle 40.

[0039] Further embodiments include computer programs for carrying out one of the methods described herein, where the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a FLASH memory, a hard disk, an electronic read-only memory, or other magnetic or optical storage medium, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that can interact with, or interact with, a programmable hardware component in such a way that the respective method is carried out.

[0040] A programmable hardware component can be a processor, a computer processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU = Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC = Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC = Integrated Circuit), a system-on-chip (SOC = System on Chip), a programmable logic element, or a field-programmable gate array with a microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0041] The digital storage medium can therefore be machine-readable or computer-readable. Some embodiments thus include a data carrier containing electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component to perform one of the methods described herein. An embodiment is therefore a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the program for performing one of the methods described herein is recorded.

[0042] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product with program code or as data, wherein the program code or data is / are effective in performing one of the methods when the program runs on a processor or a programmable hardware component. The program code or data can, for example, also be stored on a machine-readable medium or data carrier. The program code or data can be in the form of, among other things, source code, machine code, bytecode, or other intermediate code. [List of reference numerals]

[0043] 30 Device 32 Interface

[0044] 34 Data processing circuit

[0045] 40 vehicles

[0046] 100 procedures performed by a device of a vehicle

[0047] 110 Obtaining indoor data 120 Determining connection data

[0048] 130 Connect to the short-range communication network

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method (100) carried out by a device of a vehicle, comprising Obtained (110) interior data from an optical imaging sensor, wherein the interior data are indicative of an interior of the vehicle; Determine (120), based on the indoor data, connection data indicative of a parameter for connecting to a short-range communication network; and connect (130), based on the connection data, to the short-range communication network.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the indoor data is indicative of information displayed on a display of a user terminal device; and wherein connecting to the short-range communication network is connecting to a short-range communication network provided by the user terminal device.

3. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising Receiving a trigger event, and the receipt of the indoor data is triggered by the trigger event.

4. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger event is received by an input device of the vehicle.

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising Identifying a user of the short-range communication network; Determining the user's position; Determining an infotainment device assigned to the user's position; and connecting the determined infotainment device to the short-range communication network.

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising Determine, based on the indoor data, further connection data indicative of a parameter for connecting to another short-range communication network; and Connect, based on the connection data, to the wider short-range communication network.

7. The method (100) according to claim 6, further comprising Determining another user of the other short-range communication network; Determining the position of the other user; Determining an infotainment device assigned to the position of the additional user; and Connecting the specific infotainment device to the wider short-range communication network.

8. A computer program for carrying out one of the methods (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.

9. A device (30) for connecting to a short-range communication network, comprising: an interface (32) for communication with an optical imaging sensor; and a data processing circuit (34) configured to perform at least one of the methods (100) according to one of claims 1-7.

10. A vehicle (40) with a device (30) according to claim 9.

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