Computer-implemented method for configuring a locating system for mobile terminals, and computer-implemented method for locating mobile terminals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method (100) for configuring a locating system for mobile terminals, the method comprising: - exchanging (110) certificates between a locating network of a first user and an intermediary object which has an interior and a locating sensor system, such that the intermediary object and mobile terminals of the first user that can be associated with the intermediary object are known to the locating network of the first user; and - integrating (120) the intermediary object into the locating network of the first user as a relay, such that the intermediary object can receive and process locating requests for locating mobile terminals of the first user.

Description

[0001] 24-1859

[0002] Computer-implemented method for configuring a location system for mobile devices and computer-implemented method for locating mobile devices

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices, a computer-implemented method for tracking mobile devices, and a tracking system for mobile devices. The present disclosure relates in particular to an extension of a tracking network for determining the position of mobile devices within closed structures, such as vehicles or buildings.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The localization of smart devices in a networked environment has made significant progress in recent years. Modern tracking systems use wireless communication technologies such as ultrawideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to precisely determine distances between networked devices. By aggregating this measurement data via a central network, the relative positions of devices can be determined, thus enabling effective object retrieval.

[0006] Existing solutions of this kind already offer a helpful way to locate lost or misplaced objects, especially in open or unstructured environments. However, in more complex, enclosed structures, such as winding interiors, conventional technology reaches its limits. Particularly in vehicles, a simple "Abstand" (Abstand) indication is insufficient to pinpoint a lost object. For example, the information that an object is three meters away from the user is of little help in a multi-seater vehicle if it remains unclear whether the object is on a seat, in a storage compartment, or in the footwell.24-1859

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a computer-implemented method for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices, a computer-implemented method for tracking mobile devices, and a tracking system for mobile devices that enable improved tracking of mobile devices. In particular, the purpose of this disclosure is to enable detailed and context-aware localization of mobile devices within closed structures.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first independent aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for configuring a location system for mobile devices is specified. The method comprises:

[0011] Exchange of certificates between a first user's location network and an intermediary object that has an interior and location sensors, such that the first user's location network knows the intermediary object and the first user's mobile devices attributable to it; and

[0012] Integrating the intermediary object into the first user's location network as a relay, so that the intermediary object can receive and process location requests for locating the first user's mobile devices.

[0013] According to this aspect of the present disclosure, intelligent, closed structures with tracking capabilities, such as buildings or vehicles, are integrated into the tracking network. This allows mobile devices to be located with high precision, even in complex and confusing indoor spaces. Users of these tracking capabilities receive a detailed and context-aware location of their mobile devices. For example, it is possible to locate a misplaced smartphone not only based on a simple distance measurement, but also with a precise position such as 24-1859.

[0014] To obtain information such as "Smartphone is on the rear driver's seat," this enables precise and user-friendly localization of objects within closed structures, which is particularly advantageous in complex interiors.

[0015] A mobile device is a device capable of wireless communication within a mobile network via local area networks (LANs), such as wireless LAN (WiFi / WLAN), or via wide area networks (WANs), such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Package Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Downlink / Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Communication via other current or future communication technologies is also possible.

[0016] The term mobile device includes in particular smartphones, but also other mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, notebooks, smartwatches, smart glasses and all current and future electronic devices equipped with communication technology.

[0017] A location network is a system of interconnected devices used to determine and track the position of objects or people. It relies on the collection and processing of location data obtained via various wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, ultrawideband (UWB), and / or cellular networks. Apple's Find My network is a concrete example of such a location network, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB. Devices within this network help locate lost or misplaced items by anonymously transmitting location data. The locations are processed in encrypted form, ensuring that only the owner has access to them.

[0018] The location network can be implemented by a central entity and at least partially execute the functionalities of the location network and / or 24-1859

[0019] coordinate. The term "central unit" refers to a component within a network or system that serves as a control and / or management unit. This central unit can be, for example, a server, a backend, or another similar device. One of its tasks is to process, store, and / or manage data.

[0020] A mediator object is an element within the location network that enables the transmission and forwarding of location information between devices. It acts as an intermediary and helps determine the position of a searched-for object by receiving, processing, and forwarding its location data.

[0021] Preferably, the intermediary object is a closed structure. An intermediary object in the form of a closed structure is a spatially defined environment that functions as an active component of the positioning network. This structure is equipped with positioning sensors and enables more precise localization of objects within its interior and / or in its (e.g., immediate) surroundings. Examples of such intermediary objects include, but are not limited to, buildings and vehicles.

[0022] The process involves exchanging certificates between the tracking network and the intermediary object, so that the tracking network knows the intermediary object and the mobile devices associated with it, and integrating the intermediary object into the tracking network as a relay. For example, an owner pairing can first be initiated, after which the intermediary object and the mobile devices exchange certificates to establish an association or assignment between the mobile devices and the intermediary object. Additionally, a certificate exchange takes place between the intermediary object and the tracking network. This certificate exchange makes the intermediary object uniquely identifiable to the tracking network. The tracking network can now send queries to the intermediary object, since it knows both its identity and the associated mobile devices or their digital keys (e.g., based on an ID or IMEI).This allows the intermediary object to be integrated as a relay, enabling it to actively participate in localization within the tracking network.24-1859.

[0023] Preferably, the method further comprises transferring a digital key from a mobile device of the first user to a mobile device of a second user; and integrating the mobile device of the second user into the location network of the first user. In an illustrative example, the first user can transfer their digital vehicle key to the smartphones of friends using so-called friend sharing. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the key is transferred to a friend's phone, this phone can be automatically registered in the location network as belonging to the vehicle. This enables the friend to determine the position of their own mobile devices within the vehicle via the location network.Access rights can be restricted: The friend can only locate the mobile devices they use, but not all keys or other mobile devices linked to the vehicle. This restriction ensures that vehicle management and control over the entire tracking network remain with the owner or primary user, while friends or secondary users benefit from precise location tracking for their own mobile devices.

[0024] Preferably, the method further comprises receiving a deletion request (e.g., from a mobile device of the first user) to remove the mobile device of the second user from the location network of the first user; and removing the mobile device of the second user from the location network of the first user. For example, deleting a Friend Key of the second user can also delete the link between their smartphone and the vehicle and the location network of the first user.

[0025] Preferably, the method further comprises removing the intermediary object from the first user's location network; and integrating another intermediary object into the first user's location network, with the first user's mobile devices being assigned to the other intermediary object (e.g., according to the method for configuring a location system according to the first independent aspect of 24-1859).

[0026] (present disclosure). In an illustrative example, during a vehicle ownership swap, the existing link between the vehicle and the tracking network can be completely removed for all mobile devices of the previous owner and their friends. This ensures that no unauthorized mobile devices remain associated with the vehicle and that the new owner gains full control over the tracking functions. Once the new owner takes possession of the vehicle, a new link is established between their own mobile devices and the vehicle within the tracking network. This ensures that only the new owner can manage the vehicle within the tracking network and locate their own mobile devices, as well as, if applicable, the mobile devices of authorized individuals.

[0027] According to a second independent aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for locating mobile devices is specified. The method comprises:

[0028] Receiving, through a location network, a user request to locate a mobile device, wherein the mobile device and several intermediary objects are registered with the location network, each of the several intermediary objects having an interior and location sensors;

[0029] Sending, through the location network, a location request to locate the mobile device to the multiple intermediary objects, wherein the location request causes each intermediary object of the multiple intermediary objects to perform a location tracking of the mobile device in the interior and / or environment of the intermediary object using the location sensors;

[0030] Receiving location results provided by the multiple intermediary objects through the location network; and

[0031] Sending, via the location network, location information from the mobile device to the user based on the location results received from the multiple intermediary objects.

[0032] The location network can be configured by the method for configuring a location system for mobile devices according to the first independent aspect of the present disclosure24-1859

[0033] be configured. Furthermore, the description given regarding the procedure for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices is also applicable to the procedure for tracking mobile devices and is therefore not repeated below.

[0034] According to this second aspect of the present disclosure, intelligent, closed structures with tracking capabilities, such as buildings or vehicles, are integrated into the tracking network to locate a mobile device. This allows mobile devices to be located with high precision even in complex and confusing indoor spaces. Users of these tracking capabilities receive detailed and context-aware location information for their mobile devices. For example, it is possible to locate a misplaced smartphone not only based on a simple distance measurement, but also to obtain a precise positional information such as "smartphone is lying on the back seat of the driver." This enables accurate and user-friendly localization of objects within closed structures, which is particularly advantageous in complex indoor environments.

[0035] The positioning sensors of the intermediary device comprise the technical components and methods that enable the detection of mobile device positions within a closed structure and / or its immediate surroundings. These positioning sensors form the basis for precise localization within a vehicle, building, or other defined environment by recording position data and transmitting it to the positioning network.

[0036] The positioning sensors can incorporate one or more technologies, including ultrawideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WLAN positioning, inertial sensors, and / or RFID technology. These sensors are strategically positioned within the intermediary object to enable accurate relative and absolute location tracking of objects inside.

[0037] One advantage of the intermediary object's location sensors is that they not only provide simple distance information, but also context-related localization in relation to the 24-1859

[0038] The intermediary object enables this. For example, it can be determined not only that a mobile device is three meters away, but also that it is on the passenger seat, in the glove compartment, or under a specific storage compartment. This is achieved, for example, through triangulation, signal analysis, and the combination of multiple sensor data, resulting in more precise position determination.

[0039] Preferably, the multiple intermediary properties are selected from the group that includes, or consists of, a building and a vehicle. The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, vans, buses, motorhomes, motorcycles, etc., used for the transport of persons, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.

[0040] Preferably, the user's request to locate their mobile device is sent to the tracking network by another mobile device, e.g., belonging to the first user. This second mobile device is also connected to the tracking network.

[0041] Preferably, a location result received by one of several intermediary objects that has located the mobile device in its interior or surroundings includes first position information of the intermediary object (e.g. GPS data) and second position information of the mobile device (e.g. a location description such as "in the glove compartment" or "under the vehicle").

[0042] Preferably, the location information sent from the location network to the first user based on the location result includes the first position information and the second position information.

[0043] Preferably, the first and second position information is displayed to the user on a screen, e.g., of a mobile device, and / or communicated as voice output (e.g., "the smartphone is on the back seat of the vehicle in the garage"). 24-1859

[0044] In a hypothetical example, a car owner forgets his smartphone in the glove compartment. Without realizing it, he leaves the vehicle, taking only his paired smartwatch with him. When he notices his smartphone is missing, he initiates a search on his smartwatch, requesting its location via the GPS network. The smartwatch transmits this request to the GPS network with the question: "Where is my smartphone?"

[0045] The tracking network then sends a request to all objects acting as relays that are linked to the vehicle owner's ID. Besides other possible relays, such as a building, the vehicle itself is particularly relevant as an intermediary object in this example.

[0046] The vehicle itself is equipped with tracking sensors that allow it to determine the position of all connected devices inside and around the vehicle. First, the vehicle determines a three-dimensional coordinate for the targeted smartphone, based on Ultrawideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and / or other available localization technologies. Next, this coordinate is compared with the geometry data of the vehicle's interior to determine a precise, context-aware position (in this case, the system recognizes that the smartphone is inside the glove compartment).

[0047] Once the smartphone's position has been calculated, the vehicle sends both its own location coordinates and the smartphone's precise position inside the vehicle to the tracking network. The tracking network processes the data and transmits the information in real time to the owner's smartwatch. The vehicle's position is visualized on a map on the smartwatch. Additionally, the smartwatch provides precise location instructions via voice output, for example: "Your phone is in your vehicle, in the glove compartment." 24-1859

[0048] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is specified. The SW program can be configured to run on one or more processors and thereby execute the method described in this document for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices and / or methods for locating mobile devices.

[0049] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is specified. The storage medium may include a software program configured to run on one or more processors and to execute the method described in this document for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices and / or methods for locating mobile devices.

[0050] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is specified. The software is designed to carry out the method for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices and / or the method for tracking mobile devices when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0051] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system is specified. The system comprises one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors to perform the method described in this document for configuring a tracking system for mobile devices and / or methods for locating mobile devices.

[0052] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e., a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby advances an algorithm (process).

[0053] Brief description of the drawings 24-1859

[0054] Examples of the manifestation of the revelation are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show:

[0055] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method for configuring a location system for mobile devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0056] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method for locating mobile devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Implementations of the revelation

[0058] Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements in the following.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for configuring a location system for mobile devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] The procedure 100 comprises, in block 110, an exchange of certificates between a first user's location network and an intermediary object that has an interior and location sensors, so that the first user's location network knows the intermediary object and the first user's mobile devices attributable to it; and in block 120, an integration of the intermediary object into the first user's location network as a relay, so that the intermediary object can receive and process location requests for locating the first user's mobile devices.

[0061] In one embodiment, the process begins with Owner Pairing, which is initiated to establish a secure connection between a vehicle and the owner's smartphone. During this process, the vehicle and the smartphone exchange certificates to enable mutual authentication. 24-1859

[0062] Additionally, a certificate exchange takes place between the vehicle and the tracking network. This exchange registers the vehicle in the tracking network and enables it to process requests from the network. At the same time, the tracking network now knows the vehicle and its associated digital keys, which can be identified, for example, by an ID or IMEI of the connected mobile devices.

[0063] Once this process is complete, the vehicle can function as a relay in the tracking network. This means it is able to determine the location of its assigned mobile devices inside the vehicle and / or in its immediate vicinity and respond to corresponding requests from the tracking network. This enhancement transforms the vehicle from a passive recipient of location information into an active component of the tracking network, capable of providing precise and context-aware localization data.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for locating mobile terminal equipment according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Method 200 comprises, in block 210, receiving, by a location network, a user request to locate a mobile device, wherein the mobile device and several intermediary objects are registered with the location network, each of the several intermediary objects having an interior and location sensors; in block 220, sending, by the location network, a location request to locate the mobile device to the several intermediary objects, wherein the location request causes each intermediary object of the several intermediary objects to locate the mobile device in the interior and / or an environment of the intermediary object using its location sensors; in block 230, receiving location results provided by the several intermediary objects by the location network; and in block 240, sending, by the location network, location information of the mobile device to 24-1859

[0066] the user based on the location results received from the multiple intermediary objects.

[0067] The location network can be configured using the procedure described in relation to Figure 1 for configuring a location system for mobile devices.

[0068] In one illustrative example, modern vehicles are equipped with multiple transceivers distributed throughout the vehicle for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultrawideband (UWB), and / or Narrowband (NBA). These transceivers are strategically positioned within the vehicle interior, enabling precise tracking of the location of mobile devices inside the vehicle.

[0069] Using these transceivers, the vehicle can measure the distance and angle between a specific mobile device and the individual transceivers. By combining this data, the exact three-dimensional position of the mobile device within the vehicle can be calculated using trilateration or triangulation.

[0070] Furthermore, the vehicle's control unit possesses detailed knowledge of the geometric dimensions and the arrangement of all elements within the interior. This information allows the determined position of the mobile device to be compared with the vehicle structure.

[0071] For example, it can be determined that a mobile device is located at a specific coordinate (x, y, z). From this information, the system can deduce that the mobile device is on a rear seat. This precise mapping allows the driver to inquire about the location of their mobile devices in the vehicle at any time. For example, they can ask the vehicle via voice command: "Where is my key?" The vehicle can then directly reply: "The key is on the rear driver's seat."24-1859

[0072] Since the transceivers can also detect radio signals outside the vehicle, it is also possible to determine the position of a mobile device in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, for example, within a radius of approximately 10 meters. Thus, the vehicle can also issue a position report such as: "The key is located approximately three meters behind the vehicle."

[0073] Furthermore, the vehicle itself is integrated into the tracking network, allowing it to transmit the mobile device's position within its interior to the network upon request. This provides the user with seamless integration with existing location services. For example, if the user asks via their smartphone, "Where is my key?", the tracking network can retrieve the vehicle's location data and send back a precise answer: "The key is on the rear driver's seat in your vehicle." This enhanced localization capability makes the vehicle an active part of the tracking network, significantly improving the accuracy and user-friendliness of the location tracking.

[0074] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their 24-1859.

[0075] Legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description, are defined.

Claims

24-1859 Patent claims 1. Computer-implemented method (100) for configuring a location system for mobile devices, comprising: Exchange (110) of certificates between a first user's location network and an intermediary object that has an interior and location sensors, so that the first user's location network is aware of the intermediary object and the first user's mobile devices attributable to it; and Integrating (120) the intermediary object into the location network of the first user as a relay, so that the intermediary object can receive and process location requests for locating mobile devices of the first user.

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: Transferring a digital key from a mobile device of the first user to a mobile device of a second user; and Integrating the second user's mobile device into the first user's location network.

3. Method (100) according to claim 2, further comprising: Receiving a deletion request to remove the second user's mobile device from the first user's location network; and Removing the second user's mobile device from the first user's location network.

4. Method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Removing the intermediary object from the first user's location network; and adding another intermediary object to the first user's location network, whereby the first user's mobile devices are assigned to the other intermediary object. 24-1859 5. Computer-implemented method (200) for locating mobile devices, comprising: Receiving (210) a user request to locate a mobile device through a location network, wherein the mobile device and several intermediary objects are registered with the location network, each of the several intermediary objects having an interior and location sensors; Sending (220) through the location network a location request to locate the mobile device to the multiple intermediary objects, wherein the location request causes each intermediary object of the multiple intermediary objects to perform a location of the mobile device in the interior and / or surroundings of the intermediary object using the location sensors; Receiving (230) location results provided by the multiple intermediary objects through the location network; and Sending (240), through the location network, location information of the mobile device to the user based on the location results received from the multiple intermediary objects.

6. Method (200) according to claim 5, wherein the multiple intermediary objects are selected from the group consisting of a building and a vehicle.

7. Method (200) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the user request to locate the mobile device is sent to the location network by another mobile device.

8. Method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a location result received by an intermediary object of several intermediary objects, which has located the mobile device in its interior or its surroundings, comprises first position information of the intermediary object and second position information of the mobile device.

9. Method (200) according to claim 8, wherein the location information sent by the location network to the first user comprises the first position information and the second position information, in particular wherein the first position information and the second position information are displayed to the user on a display and / or communicated as voice output.

10. Location tracking system for mobile devices, comprehensive: Processors; and Memory connected to the processors and containing instructions that can be executed by the processors to perform the method (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images