Communication unit for a lightweight vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication unit (10) for a lightweight vehicle (100), in particular an electric lightweight vehicle, wherein the communication unit (10) is designed to transmit a V2X message; wherein the communication unit (10) is designed to detect a release parameter (12); wherein the communication unit (10) is designed to transmit the V2X message on the basis of said release parameter (12).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Communication unit for a

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention relates to a communication unit for a light vehicle and a light vehicle.

[0006] Currently, a wide variety of communication solutions exist for light vehicles. Due to the increased demands of the digitalization of road traffic, as well as heightened safety requirements, the need for innovative and robust communication tools is constantly growing.

[0007] The continuous reduction of weight in the light vehicle sector to reduce fuel consumption, as well as increasing competition, is creating cost pressure, leading to a greater demand for cheaper and more efficient vehicle components.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The communication unit for a light vehicle, in particular an electric light vehicle, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage over known devices that the communication unit only participates in an exchange via V2X messages when it is in a designated position or attached to a light vehicle, such as an electric bicycle. Thus, the advantage is provided that the communication unit only participates in the exchange of V2X messages in public direct communication when the communication unit is located on the light vehicle. This communication can only take place through the connection of the V2X device and the RFI D-chip.Thus, a further advantage can be provided by the fact that the V2X device has a powerful microcomputer, and the bicycle only needs to be equipped with an RFID chip that requires no separate power supply or additional computing power. Another advantage is that increased security can be provided simply by connecting the communication unit to a control unit of an electric light vehicle, especially e-bikes, via the powerful microcomputers and communication interfaces. A further advantage can lie in the use of the communication interfaces for data exchange, such as GNSS position, wheel tick, or a speed signal for dead reckoning and communication of error states or similar information. A further advantage can be the IMU-based algorithmic identification of the vehicle type.The system should be a type of light vehicle based on a movement profile in the communication unit or V2X device, which can advantageously be combined with a locking switch or similar device that monitors whether the communication unit (V2X device) has been disconnected from the light vehicle since the last algorithmic vehicle type recognition. A further advantage is that no communication with the vehicle is necessary for this recognition, thus providing a way to integrate even non-externally communicating micromobility vehicles or motor vehicles into V2X communication.

[0010] This is achieved according to the invention by the communication unit for a light vehicle, in particular an electric light vehicle, being configured to send a V2X message, wherein the communication unit is configured to detect a release parameter, and wherein the communication unit is configured to send the V2X message based on the release parameter.

[0011] In other words, the communication unit only sends V2X messages when a corresponding release parameter is present. Preferably, the communication unit can be an integrated or mountable solution. For example, the communication unit can be integrated into a frame or similar structure. More preferably, the communication unit can also be attached to the light vehicle, for example, with a screw connection or similar. More preferably, the detection of a release parameter includes, in particular, receiving a signal that is indicative of a release parameter. More preferably, the detection of the release parameter also includes determining or measuring the release parameter, whereby the release parameter is provided when the measurement or similar is within a predetermined range. Thus, the term "release parameter" is preferably to be understood broadly.Preferably, a release element can be provided that supplies the release parameter. For example, the release element can be arranged on the electric light vehicle, wherein the release element is, for example, an RFID chip or similar device that stores the release parameter. Preferably, the communication unit itself can have a fastening element or similar device, which is, for example, configured to detect its attachment to the light vehicle or similar device. In this embodiment, the release element can, for example, be a lock or similar device that monitors the connection of the communication unit to the light vehicle.

[0012] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0013] Preferably, the communication unit is integrated into the light vehicle and / or can be attached to the light vehicle by means of a bracket, with the release parameter being designed as an RFID signal.

[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that the processing of the release parameter can be significantly simplified due to the RFID signal, since the communication unit can directly query the RFID signal. Furthermore, the light vehicle, in particular the bicycle, can have an RFID chip to provide the RFID signal. For example, the RFID chip can be located in the handlebars, frame, seat post, and / or drive unit. Preferably, the communication unit is configured to receive a light vehicle identification number from the RFID chip.

[0015] An advantage of this embodiment is that the RFID chip can be assigned a unique identification for the light vehicle, thus ensuring that the communication unit is located on the light vehicle. Preferably, the light vehicle identification can include, in particular, the vehicle's size, a bicycle type such as a cargo bike, a folding bike, a tandem, and / or a child's bicycle, or similar. Even more preferably, the communication unit can transmit the light vehicle identification, in particular the bicycle's size or similar information, in the V2X message.

[0016] Preferably, the communication unit is configured to determine a distance between the communication unit and the RFID chip, in particular by detecting and / or measuring a signal strength of the RFID chip to determine the distance, wherein the communication unit is configured to determine the release parameter based on the distance if the distance is within a predetermined range.

[0017] One advantage of this embodiment is that distance measurement can be used to verify whether the communication unit is still attached to the light vehicle. For example, a distance can be programmed into the communication unit and RFID chip during installation. If this distance is subsequently increased, transmission of the V2X message can be stopped due to the missing authorization parameter. Preferably, in addition to the RFID chip, a Bluetooth module or similar device can also be used to perform distance measurement. For example, both the light vehicle and the communication unit could be equipped with a Bluetooth module, allowing these components to determine the distance between them.

[0018] Preferably, the RFID chip is arranged on the light vehicle, wherein the RFID chip is configured to deactivate itself, in particular to destroy itself, when the RFID chip is removed from the light vehicle.

[0019] An advantage of this embodiment is that manipulation of the RFID chip or similar component can be prevented. For example, the RFID chip can be formed using a foil or similar material. When the RFID chip is removed, a coil used to generate the RFID signal can be destroyed, similar to a vignette, thus deactivating or destroying the RFID chip. More preferably, the RFID chip includes an encryption element, in particular a cryptographic key, to prevent replay attacks. The communication unit is configured to query the encryption element from the RFID chip and, based on the encryption element, to verify whether the release parameter is present.

[0020] One advantage of this embodiment is that manipulation by copying the RFID chip or similar can be avoided.

[0021] Preferably, the release parameter is provided by a control unit of the electric light vehicle.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that computing power on the control unit of an electric light vehicle, such as the on-board computer of an e-bike or similar device, can be used to check whether the communication unit is installed on the electric light vehicle or not. Preferably, the communication between the communication unit and the control unit can be used for key exchange, pairing, and / or beaconing, and / or similar functions. More preferably, the control unit can generate V2X messages, which can be sent to other road users via the communication unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication unit is preferably configured to establish a signed and / or encrypted connection between the communication unit and the control unit.

[0024] One advantage of this embodiment is that communication between the communication unit and the control unit, or internal communication within an electric light vehicle, can be signed and / or encrypted to prevent external manipulation.

[0025] Preferably, this connection can be used to exchange a secret for mutual authentication. Furthermore, the communication unit is preferably configured to request a signature from a public key infrastructure and / or a private key infrastructure in order to provide a signed release parameter and / or a signed V2X message.

[0026] An advantage of this embodiment is that the communication units of other road users can ensure that the release parameter and / or the signed V2X message were sent by a secure communication unit. Furthermore, preferably, the V2X messages sent by the communication unit to the road users are essentially unencrypted.

[0027] Preferably, the release parameter is provided by an electronic element and / or a locking element.

[0028] One advantage of this embodiment is that the electronic element and / or the locking element can be formed as a single unit with the communication unit, in order to detect any possible removal of the communication unit from the light vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the communication unit is configured to determine the type of light vehicle using an algorithm, and the communication unit is configured to provide the release parameter based on the type of light vehicle when the electronic element and / or the locking element are free from unlocking for a period of deactivation of the communication unit.

[0030] An advantage of this embodiment is that the latency of the algorithm for determining the type of light vehicle can be bridged using the electronic element and / or the locking element, thus enabling earlier V2X messages to be sent during operation of the light vehicle. Preferably, an algorithm can be used to determine which type of light vehicle the communication unit is mounted on or operating in. To save energy, the communication unit or the algorithm is deactivated when the light vehicle is parked. However, the algorithm for determining the type of light vehicle requires a predetermined period to identify the type of light vehicle, such as an e-bike or similar.However, in order for V2X messages to be sent from the start of operation of the light vehicle, a release parameter can be present if, for the duration of the deactivation of the communication unit, the electronic element and / or the locking element are free from unlocking or have not been unlocked.

[0031] Preferably, the electronic element and / or the locking element is configured to verify the connection of the communication unit to a component of the light vehicle, and the enable parameter is provided when the communication unit is connected to the light vehicle. Preferably, a negative enable parameter can be provided to prevent the transmission of V2X messages if the electronic element and / or the locking element detects that the connection between the communication unit and the light vehicle has been disconnected.

[0032] Preferably, the electronic element is configured to determine, by means of a current loop and / or by means of a change in resistance during installation of the electronic element, that the electronic unit is free from unlocking.

[0033] One advantage of this embodiment is that only components that are difficult to manipulate are used to detect the unlocking of the communication unit from the electric light vehicle. For example, the electronic element could be an open switch that closes as soon as the electronic element is detached from the light vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, the communication unit is preferably configured to at least temporarily interrupt and / or deactivate the transmission of a V2X message when the electronic element and / or the lock element has been unlocked.

[0035] An advantage of this embodiment is that if the communication unit is detected to have become detached from the light vehicle, the communication unit ceases to transmit a V2X message, thus preventing traffic disruption. Preferably, the communication unit is configured to receive a reactivation signal to resume and / or activate the transmission of the V2X message, wherein the reactivation signal is generated by the algorithm after a renewed determination of the type of light vehicle and / or the reactivation signal is provided by a maintenance device.

[0036] An advantage of this embodiment is that if the communication unit has to be detached from the light vehicle, for example for maintenance or similar purposes, it can still be used, since either the type of electric light vehicle can be re-identified or a reactivation signal can be provided by a service person or workshop using a maintenance device or similar.

[0037] Preferably, reactivation cannot be performed by the user of the light vehicle themselves. Instead, the user can reactivate V2X communication by properly using the light vehicle, allowing the algorithm to re-identify the vehicle type.

[0038] Another aspect of the invention relates to a light vehicle, in particular an electric light vehicle, which has a communication unit as described above and below.

[0039] Preferably, the light vehicle can be any type of vehicle, in particular electric and non-electric light vehicles. For example, the light vehicle can be a bicycle, scooter, and / or motorcycle with a total mass of less than 500 kg, in particular less than 40 kg. Preferably, the light vehicle can have a drive power of less than 1 kW. Even more preferably, the communication unit can be arranged in all vehicles, in particular cars and gasoline-powered motorcycles.

[0040] Brief description of the drawings

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 and 2 show a light vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figures 3 to 6 show a communication unit according to one embodiment.

[0043] Embodiments of the invention

[0044] Preferably, all identical elements, units and / or steps in all figures are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a light vehicle 100 according to one embodiment. A communication unit 10 is preferably arranged on the light vehicle 100, in particular an electric light vehicle. The communication unit 10 is configured to send a V2X message, wherein the communication unit 10 is configured to detect an authorization parameter 12 and to send a V2X message based on the authorization parameter 12. More preferably, the electric light vehicle can have an RFID chip 14, which is configured to transmit an RFID signal to provide the authorization parameter 12. More preferably, the communication unit 10 can be arranged on the light vehicle 100 by means of an electronic element 16. More preferably, the electronic element 16 can verify the connection of the communication unit 10 to the light vehicle.Preferably, the communication unit 10 can be arranged on a component 104 of the light vehicle 100 by means of a locking element 18. Preferably, the...

[0046] Communication unit 10 is connected to a control unit 102 of the light vehicle 100, so that the control unit 102 can provide a release parameter to the communication unit 10.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a light vehicle 100 according to one embodiment. The light vehicle 100 has a communication unit 10, as described above and below. Preferably, a locking element 18 of the communication unit 10 can be arranged on a component 104 of the light vehicle 100. By monitoring the locking element 18, the communication unit 10 can provide a release parameter 12. Figure 3 shows a communication unit 10 according to one embodiment. The communication unit 10 can preferably determine and / or receive a release parameter 12, which can be provided, for example, by means of an RFID chip 14, an electronic element 16, and / or a locking element 18.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a communication unit 10 according to one embodiment. The communication unit 10 preferably includes a V2X element 22, which can send V2X messages to other road users. More preferably, the communication unit 10 includes a connection element 24, which establishes a connection between the communication unit 10 and the light vehicle 100. The connection element 24 preferably provides an enable signal to the V2X element 22 to activate the transmission of a V2X message.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a communication unit 10 according to one embodiment. The communication unit 10 includes a V2X element 22, as described with reference to Figure 4. Furthermore, the communication unit 10 can, for example, include an RFID reader 26, which can detect an RFID chip 14 on the light vehicle 100. When the RFID chip 14 or an RFID signal from the RFID chip 14 is detected by an RFID reader 26, the reader can send an enable parameter 12 to the V2X element 22, thus enabling the transmission of V2X messages.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a communication unit 10 according to one embodiment. The communication unit 10 preferably includes a V2X element 22, as already described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. More preferably, the communication unit 10 includes a logic unit 20 for performing an algorithm to determine the type of light vehicle 100. Preferably, an electronic element 16 can control the connection of the communication unit to the light vehicle 100. If the communication unit 10 has not been disconnected from the light vehicle 100 for the duration of its deactivation, which can be determined by the electronic element 16, the V2X element 22 can be activated, thus enabling the transmission of a V2X message.

Claims

Claims 1. Communication unit (10) for a light vehicle (100), in particular an electric light vehicle, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to send a V2X message, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to detect a release parameter (12), and wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to send the V2X message based on the release parameter (12).

2. Communication unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (10) is integrated in the light vehicle (100) and / or can be arranged on the light vehicle (100) by means of a holder, wherein the release parameter is designed as an RFID signal.

3. Communication unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to receive a light vehicle identification of the RFID chip (14).

4. Communication unit (10) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to determine a distance between the communication unit (10) and the RFID chip (14), in particular by detecting and / or measuring a signal strength of the RFID chip (14) to determine the distance, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to determine the release parameter based on the distance if the distance is within a predetermined range.

5. Communication unit (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the RFID chip (14) is arranged on the light vehicle (100), wherein the RFID chip (14) is configured to deactivate itself, in particular to destroy itself, when the RFID chip (14) is removed from the light vehicle (100).

6. Communication unit (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the RFID chip (14) has an encryption element, in particular a cryptographic key, to prevent replay attacks, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to query the encryption element from the RFID chip (14), wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to check, based on the encryption element, whether the release parameter (12) is present.

7. Communication unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release parameter is provided by a control unit (102) of the electric light vehicle (100).

8. Communication unit (10) according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to establish a signed and / or encrypted connection between the communication unit (10) and the control unit (102).

9. Communication unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to query a signature from a public key infrastructure and / or from a private key infrastructure in order to provide a signed release parameter and / or a signed V2X message.

10. Communication unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release parameter (12) is provided by an electronic element (16) and / or a lock element (18).

11. Communication unit (10) according to claim 10, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to determine a type of light vehicle (100) by means of an algorithm, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to provide the release parameter based on the type of light vehicle (100) when, for a duration of a deactivation of the communication unit (10), the electronic element (16) and / or the locking element (18) are free from being unlocked.

12. Communication unit (10) according to claim 11, wherein the electronic element (16) is configured to determine, by means of a current loop and / or by means of a change in resistance during installation of the electronic element (16), that the electronic unit (16) is free from unlocking.

13. Communication unit (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to at least temporarily interrupt and / or deactivate the transmission of a V2X message when the electronic element (16) and / or the lock element (18) has been unlocked.

14. Communication unit (10) according to claim 13, wherein the communication unit (10) is configured to receive a reactivation signal to continue and / or activate the transmission of the V2X message, wherein the reactivation signal is generated by the algorithm after a re-determination of the type of light vehicle (100) and / or the reactivation signal is provided by a maintenance device.

15. Light vehicle (100), in particular an electric light vehicle, comprising a communication unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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