Method for controlling a communication system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a communication system (7), wherein communication signals (10) for controlling at least one vehicle system of the vehicle (1) are transmitted between a vehicle (1) and a mobile electronic terminal (3) carried by an operator (2) and coupled to the vehicle (1), wherein control, provided by the communication signals (10), of vehicle systems of the vehicle (1) is prevented in a blocking mode of the communication system (7). According to the invention, when a communication system (7) is in the blocking mode, when the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic terminal (3) enters a communication region (4) in the vicinity of the vehicle (1), a communication connection is established between the mobile electronic terminal (3) and the vehicle (1) and a range signal (11) is transmitted from the mobile electronic terminal (3) to the vehicle (1). The blocking mode of the communication system (7) is deactivated when the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic terminal (3) enters an activation region (6) lying within the communication region (4).

Description

[0001] 202404717

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Methods for controlling a communication system

[0005] The invention relates to a method for controlling a communication system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] Mobile electronic devices carried by an operator, known as smart devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, or smart glasses, are increasingly used to activate and / or control specific applications in vehicles, such as vehicle functions or systems. For example, in vehicles with a keyless entry system, such mobile electronic devices can control the vehicle's access function, thus locking and unlocking the vehicle doors.

[0007] To activate and / or control vehicle functions or systems via a mobile electronic device, communication signals in the form of a predefined communication protocol are transmitted between the vehicle-connected mobile electronic device and the vehicle using a suitable communication technology. Based on this communication protocol, and after final authorization by the vehicle, the vehicle function or corresponding vehicle system addressed by the mobile electronic device is started or executed as soon as the operator carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle.For example, a lighting display can be initiated or executed by the vehicle's lighting system, or the mobile electronic device can be authenticated by the vehicle's access system, as soon as the operator carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle. 202404717.

[0008] 2

[0009] If, despite repeated activation of the vehicle systems by the operator when approaching the vehicle repeatedly, a mobile electronic device connected to the vehicle does not subsequently perform any user action or operating activity on or in the vehicle, such as opening or closing a vehicle door or starting the vehicle's drive system, the mobile electronic device and thus also the communication system will be placed in a lock mode for safety and energy-saving reasons after a certain number of unfollowed activations of the vehicle systems.When a mobile electronic device (and therefore communication system) is in locked mode, vehicle functions and systems cannot be automatically activated simply by the operator approaching the vehicle due to a lack of authentication. To restore this functionality to normal mode and thus deactivate the locked mode, the operator must perform an action directly at or inside the vehicle.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for controlling a communication system according to the preamble of claim 1, in which communication between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle is enabled easily and reliably, or without additional effort, even when the mobile electronic device and thus the communication system is in lock mode, in particular for restoring the normal mode of the mobile electronic device and thus also of the communication system. 202404717

[0011] 3

[0012] This task is performed in a procedure for controlling a

[0013] Communication system with the features of claim 1 solved.

[0014] Advantageous further developments of the invention are part of the additional patent claims.

[0015] According to the invention, in the method for controlling a communication system within the framework of communication between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle, when the communication system is in lock mode, after a communication connection has been established between the vehicle and the mobile electronic device carried by an operator and coupled to the vehicle, a range signal or search intent signal, so-called a range intent signal, is first transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle. This range signal or search intent signal, so-called a range intent signal, is transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle when the operator carrying the mobile electronic device enters a communication area or connection area located in the exterior of the vehicle within a certain radius around the vehicle.As the operator carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle further, the locking mode of the communication system is lifted when the operator carrying the mobile electronic device enters an activation area within the communication range.

[0016] Accordingly, when the operator carrying the mobile electronic device enters the activation area, "normal" communication between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle is initiated in normal mode and this communication is carried out using a specific communication protocol. Depending on the communication protocol, a wake-up signal or 202404717 is then sent.

[0017] 4

[0018] An activation signal is generated to activate or wake up at least one vehicle system, in particular to activate or wake up a plurality of vehicle systems, preferably to activate or wake up all vehicle systems. Thus, the correspondingly activated or woken-up vehicle systems can then execute their assigned functionality as needed.

[0019] The communication range or connection area that enables the establishment of a communication connection between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle, within which the transmission of the range signal or search intent signal as a so-called range intent signal also takes place in a communication system that is in lock mode, depends on the range of the communication technology used to establish the connection between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle.Preferably, the range signal or search intent signal is transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle using Bluetooth communication technology. In particular, this range signal or search intent signal is transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication technology. When using Bluetooth communication technology or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the communication range between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle is between 10 m and 300 m, depending on the external conditions. Consequently, the communication area or connection area begins at a distance of 10 m to 300 m between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle.Accordingly, the range signal or search intent signal is referred to as the range intent signal in a corresponding distance of the mobile electronic device from the vehicle and thus also in a corresponding distance of the mobile device 202404717.

[0020] 5. Electronic device carried by operator from the vehicle, from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, the range signal or search intent signal is transmitted from the mobile electronic device to a transceiver located on the vehicle, either on its exterior or inside the vehicle. Specifically, the range signal or search intent signal is transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the transceiver located in the vehicle that is closest to the operator carrying the mobile electronic device and approaching the vehicle.Consequently, when an operator approaches the vehicle as the driver and carries the mobile electronic device, communication takes place in particular between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle's transmitter-receiver unit located closest to the driver.

[0022] The activation zone that enables the mobile electronic device, and thus the communication system, to be deactivated and returned to normal mode—that is, the area around the vehicle into which the operator carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle and thus deactivates the mobile electronic device's lock mode—is preferably defined as a radius around each of the vehicle's transceiver units intended for communication with the mobile electronic device. Thus, a specific radius is defined as the activation zone around each transceiver unit located on the vehicle's exterior and around each transceiver unit located inside the vehicle.For example, a radius of 2 m around each device is used for communication with the mobile electronic device 202404717.

[0023] The vehicle's designated transmit-receive unit (6) was defined as the activation area.

[0024] The entry into the activation area by the operator carrying the mobile electronic device, which results in the unlocking of the mobile electronic device and thus the communication system, is detected in particular by the transmission of localization signals that are transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle.

[0025] Based on the localization signals, a distance measurement is taken between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle, thereby determining the position of the operator carrying the mobile electronic device, specifically the operator's position relative to the vehicle. These localization signals are transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle as soon as the operator enters a localization area, which lies between the communication area and the activation area.Thus, as the operator carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle, localization signals are transmitted between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle as soon as the operator enters the localization area. These localization signals are preferably transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle using ultra-wideband communication technology.

[0026] (UWB communication technology) enables highly precise determination of the distance between two objects. Ultra-wideband communication technology can also pinpoint the location of another device with ultra-wideband communication technology to within centimeters. This includes, in particular, measuring the distance between the mobile device and the object.

[0027] 7. Electronic device and the vehicle and / or localization of the mobile electronic device relative to the vehicle is performed. The evaluation of the communication signals between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle is based in particular on the time of flight (TOF) of the localization signals as communication signals. For this purpose, a time-of-flight measurement, so-called TOF measurement (Time of Flight measurement), of the localization signals as communication signals is performed between the mobile electronic device and a transceiver unit located on or in the vehicle.

[0028] The localization area enabling the transmission of localization signals depends on the range of the communication technology used. When using ultra-wideband communication technology, the communication range between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle is between 10 m and 20 m, for example 15 m, depending on the conditions outside the vehicle. Thus, the localization area is located within a radius of 15 m from the vehicle and therefore lies between the activation area (within a radius of, for example, 2 m from the vehicle) and the communication area (within a radius of, for example, 300 m from the vehicle).

[0029] If the activation area is left by the operator carrying the mobile electronic device without having performed any user action or operating activity involving access to the vehicle after previously entering the activation area, the vehicle systems activated as a result of entering the activation area will be deactivated again. If the operator carrying the mobile electronic device remains in the activation area after such a departure, the vehicle systems will be deactivated again.

[0030] 8

[0031] If the operator carrying the mobile electronic device subsequently enters the localization area after leaving the activation and localization areas, localization signals continue to be transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle. This means that the position of the mobile electronic device, and therefore its distance from the vehicle, continues to be determined, and the lock mode of the mobile electronic device, and thus of the communication system, is not activated. If the operator carrying the mobile electronic device remains within the communication or connection area after leaving the activation and localization areas, range signals, also known as search intent signals, continue to be transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle.

[0032] Only when the operator carrying the mobile electronic device, after leaving the activation and localization areas, also leaves the communication or connection area, is the locking mode of the mobile electronic device and thus of the communication system reactivated. Therefore, if the operator carrying the mobile electronic device remains within the communication area or re-enters it, the range signal continues to be transmitted from the mobile electronic device to the vehicle, thus maintaining or resuming communication between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle.

[0033] The method according to the invention allows different vehicle systems of the vehicle to be awakened and thus initialized or started upon entering the activation area; in particular, all suitable vehicle systems of the vehicle can be awakened and thus initialized or started. For example, a telematics system of the 202404717 can be used as such a vehicle system.

[0034] 9

[0035] The vehicle may be equipped with a system that checks whether new software for the vehicle is available on a server as part of an update. Furthermore, such a vehicle system may include a polling system that cyclically searches for an electronic key that grants access to the vehicle. Another such system may be a navigation system that starts up automatically. Additionally, such a system may include a lighting system that displays a welcome light. Finally, such a system may include an access control system that allows access to the vehicle without the need for an electronic key.

[0036] For the transmission of communication signals between the vehicle and the mobile electronic device carried by the operator and connected to the vehicle, a communication system, also claimed in the invention, is preferably provided. This communication system for controlling the execution of the method according to the invention can include an evaluation unit, a control unit, or a control module in the vehicle, which can in particular be designed as a vehicle control unit. The control unit or evaluation unit, or the control unit or control module provided for controlling the communication system, can include a data processing device or a processor unit configured to perform one of the described features of the invention.The processor setup can include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, the microprocessor can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). 202404717

[0037] 10. Furthermore, the processor device can include program code configured to execute one of the described features of the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can, for example, be integrated on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0038] Thus, to carry out the described process steps of the method according to the invention, a processor circuit can be provided which includes programming or software comprising program instructions that, upon execution of the program instructions, cause the processor circuit to perform an embodiment of the method. For this purpose, the processor circuit can include at least one microprocessor and / or microcontroller. The program instructions can be stored in a data memory of the processor circuit.

[0039] The invention further claims a vehicle comprising at least one transceiver unit for receiving and transmitting communication signals from a communication system and at least one vehicle system that can be automatically activated by the communication signals of the communication system when an operator carrying a mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle. The invention thus also includes such a vehicle, which may be designed in particular as a motor vehicle or motor car, especially as a passenger car, or as a truck or passenger bus.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0041] Advantageously, the method according to the invention also works with a mobile electronic device in lock mode, and thus with a 202404717

[0042] 11. Communication between the mobile electronic device and the vehicle is easily enabled even when the communication system is in lock mode. Thus, even when the mobile electronic device and therefore the communication system is in lock mode, certain vehicle systems can be automatically started and / or executed, but only when a person carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle. This addresses safety and energy-saving aspects by allowing activation and thus waking up of these vehicle systems only when a person carrying the mobile electronic device approaches the vehicle and enters an activation zone.

[0043] An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle and its surrounding area as a driver approaches the vehicle and enters a communication area;

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle and its surrounding area as a driver approaches the vehicle and enters a localization area;

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle and its surrounding area as a driver approaches the vehicle and enters an activation area;

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle and its surroundings after the driver has entered an activation zone. 202404717

[0048] 12

[0049] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0050] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0051] An activation of vehicle systems of the vehicle 1 according to the invention when an operator 2, carrying, for example, a smartphone as a mobile electronic terminal 3, approaches despite a communication system 7 being in a locked mode, can be carried out with different vehicle systems of the vehicle 1, for example, with a telematics system of the vehicle 1, with a polling system of the vehicle 1, with a navigation system of the vehicle 1, with a lighting system of the vehicle 1 and with an access system of the vehicle 1.

[0052] In particular, the activation of vehicle systems of vehicle 1 is controlled depending on the relative position of a driver 2, who is carrying a smartphone as a mobile electronic device 3, relative to vehicle 1, and thus depending on the distance between driver 2 and vehicle 1. The smartphone 3 carried by driver 2 is paired with vehicle 1 and is used in the communication system 7 for communication with several transmitter-receiver units 9 of vehicle 1 located on and / or in vehicle 1. The transmitter-receiver units 9 of vehicle 1 are connected to a control unit 8 of vehicle 1, which controls the transmitter-receiver units 9 of vehicle 1 and 202404717

[0053] 13 evaluates the received signals and, depending on this, controls certain vehicle systems of vehicle 1.

[0054] According to Figure 1, the driver 2, carrying a smartphone 3 in locked mode, enters the communication zone 4, from which a communication connection between the smartphone 3, paired with the vehicle 1, and the vehicle 1 can be established via the communication system 7. This communication zone 4 begins at a certain distance between the driver 2 and the vehicle 1, depending on the communication technology used by the communication system 7; for example, at a distance of between 30 m and 100 m. After the communication connection between the smartphone 3 and the vehicle 1 has been established, communication signals 10 are typically transmitted in normal mode using a specific communication technology. These communication signals 10 are transmitted and received by the vehicle 1's transceiver units 9.The transceiver units 9 can be arranged on the vehicle 1, that is, on the outside of the vehicle 1, or inside the vehicle 1, that is, inside the vehicle 1. For example, a transceiver unit 9 of the vehicle 1 is provided in the rear area 14 of the vehicle 1, a transceiver unit 9 is provided in the front area of ​​the vehicle 1, a transceiver unit 9 is provided in the area of ​​the driver's door of the vehicle 1, and a transceiver unit 9 is provided in the area of ​​the passenger's door of the vehicle 1.

[0055] When the smartphone 3 or communication system 7 is in lock mode, a range signal 11 is transmitted from the smartphone 3 to the vehicle 1 as a communication signal 10 after the communication connection between the smartphone 3 and the vehicle 1 has been established.

[0056] This range signal 11 is transmitted, for example, from the smartphone 3 to the vehicle 1 using Bluetooth Low Energy communication technology 202404717

[0057] 14 and received by one of the transmit-receive units 9 of the vehicle 1, for example by the transmit-receive unit 9 of the vehicle 1 located in the rear area 14 of the vehicle 1. No further measures are taken at this stage of communication between the smartphone 3 and the vehicle 1 when the smartphone 3 or communication system 7 is in lock mode.

[0058] According to Figure 2, as the driver 2 approaches the vehicle 1 further, they reach the localization area 5, which lies within the communication area 4. This localization area 5 is determined by the range of the communication technology used by the communication system 7 for the localization signals 12 as communication signals 10 and is located, for example, within a radius of 15 m around the vehicle 1. From the moment the driver 2 of the vehicle 1 enters the localization area 5, and thus at an exemplary distance of 15 m from the vehicle 1, the smartphone 3 successively transmits localization signals 12 as communication signals 10 to the vehicle 1 and thus to the transceiver unit 9 of the vehicle 1, which is located in the rear area 14 of the vehicle 1. These signals are then evaluated by the vehicle 1, in particular by the control unit 8 of the vehicle 1.From this, the relative position of the driver 2 carrying the smartphone 3 with respect to the vehicle 1 is determined, and thus the distance of the driver 2 carrying the smartphone 3 from the vehicle 1 is determined.

[0059] For example, these localization signals 12 are successively transmitted from the smartphone 3 to the vehicle 1 using ultra-wideband communication technology and received by a transceiver unit 9 of the vehicle 1, for example, by the transceiver unit 9 of the vehicle 1 located in the rear area 14 of the vehicle 1. This is used to measure the distance between the smartphone 3 and thus to determine the distance of the driver 2 carrying the smartphone 3 to the vehicle 1 and thus to the aforementioned transceiver unit 9 of the 202404717

[0060] 15

[0061] In the rear area 14 of vehicle 1, the time of flight (TOF) of the localization signals 12, transmitted, for example, via ultra-wideband communication technology, is recorded and evaluated. By evaluating the time of flight of the localization signals 12 successively transmitted from smartphone 3 to vehicle 1, the distance of smartphone 3, and thus of driver 2, relative to vehicle 1 can be determined very precisely, and their position can also be located quite accurately. No further measures are taken by smartphone 3 or communication system 7, which is in lock mode, at this stage of the communication between smartphone 3 and vehicle 1.

[0062] According to Figure 3, upon further approaching vehicle 1, driver 2 reached the activation area 6 located within the localization area 5. This activation area 6 is defined, for example, as a radius of 2 m around each of the transceiver units 9 of vehicle 1 and is therefore also located around the transceiver unit 9 of vehicle 1 located in the rear area 14 of vehicle 1. The approach of driver 2 to vehicle 1, and thus also the reaching of the activation area 6, is determined based on the determination of the relative position and thus the distance of driver 2, who is carrying the smartphone 3, to vehicle 1. For this purpose, the communication signals 10 successively transmitted from the smartphone 3 to vehicle 1 as localization signals 12 are evaluated.

[0063] According to Figure 4, when the activation zone 6 is reached by the smartphone 3 or communication system 7, which is in lock mode, certain measures are taken. If the position of the smartphone 3, and thus of the driver 2, relative to the vehicle 1 is determined by evaluating the runtime measurements of the localization signals 12, such that the driver 2 carrying the smartphone 3 has reached the activation zone 6, a high probability of the driver 2 gaining desired access to the vehicle 1 is assumed. As a result of the driver 2 reaching the activation zone 6 and the associated 202404717

[0064] 16. Due to the high probability of driver 2 gaining access to vehicle 1, the lock mode for smartphone 3, and thus for communication system 7, is lifted. This allows certain vehicle systems of vehicle 1 to be woken up, initialized, activated, and started using the activation signal 13 evaluated by control unit 8. Therefore, these vehicle systems of vehicle 1, and thus their functionalities, are automatically started early, despite smartphone 3 and communication system 7 previously being in lock mode, without driver 2 of vehicle 1 having to perform any user action or operation on or in vehicle 1.

[0065] Overall, the example shows how an inventive method for controlling a communication system by advantageously evaluating communication signals transmitted between the mobile electronic terminal and the vehicle can be provided in a simple manner with advantageous properties.

[0066] 202404717

[0067] 17

[0068] Reference symbol list

[0069] 1 vehicle

[0070] 2 drivers, 3 mobile electronic devices / smart devices

[0071] 4 Communication area

[0072] 5 Localization area

[0073] 6 Activation area

[0074] 7 Communication system 8 Control unit

[0075] 9 Transceiver unit

[0076] 10 Communication signal

[0077] 11 Range signal

[0078] 12 Localization signal 13 Activation signal

[0079] 14 Rear of the vehicle

Claims

202404717 18 Patent claims 1. Method for controlling a communication system (7) in which communication signals (10) for controlling at least one vehicle system of the vehicle (1) are transmitted between a vehicle (1) and a mobile electronic terminal device (3) carried by an operator (2) and coupled to the vehicle (1), wherein in a blocking mode of the communication system (7) the control of vehicle systems of the vehicle (1) provided for by the communication signals (10) is prevented, characterized by ,that when a communication system (7) is in lock mode, upon entering a communication area (4) in the vicinity of the vehicle (1), the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic device (3) establishes a communication connection between the mobile electronic device (3) and the vehicle (1), and a range signal (11) is transmitted from the mobile electronic device (3) to the vehicle (1), and that upon entering an activation area (6) located within the communication area (4), the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic device (3) deactivates the lock mode of the communication system (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a respective activation area (6) is defined in the radius around a respective transmit-receive unit (9) of the vehicle (1) provided for communication with the mobile electronic terminal (3).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the entry into the activation area (6) by the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic device (3) is determined by the transmission of localization signals (12) from the mobile electronic device (3) to the vehicle (1). 202404717 19 4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the localization signals (12) are transmitted from the mobile electronic terminal (3) to the vehicle (1) when the operator (2) enters a localization area (5) located between the communication area (4) and the activation area (6).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when a communication system (7) is in lock mode, the range signal (11) is transmitted from the mobile electronic device (3) to a transmit-receive unit (9) of the vehicle (1) when the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic device (3) enters the communication area (4).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the range signal (11 ) from the mobile electronic terminal (3) is transmitted to a transmit-receive unit (9) of the vehicle (1 ) using Bluetooth communication technology.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the localization signals (12) are transmitted from the mobile electronic terminal (3) to a transmit-receive unit (9) of the vehicle (1) using ultra-wideband communication technology.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a locking mode of the communication system (7) which was lifted when the operator (2) carrying the mobile electronic device (3) entered the activation area (6) is reactivated when the operator (2) leaves the activation area (6) and subsequently the communication area (4) after entering the activation area (6), without the operator (2) having performed any user action on the vehicle (1) relating to access to the vehicle (1). 202404717 20 9. Communication system (7) for bidirectional transmission of communication signals (10) between a vehicle (1 ) and a mobile electronic terminal device (3) carried by an operator (2) and coupled to the vehicle (1 ), for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (1 ) with a communication system (7) according to claim 9.

Images