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WO2024132100A1 - Key fob for controlling a vehicle function - Google Patents

Key fob for controlling a vehicle function Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024132100A1
WO2024132100A1 PCT/EP2022/086792 EP2022086792W WO2024132100A1 WO 2024132100 A1 WO2024132100 A1 WO 2024132100A1 EP 2022086792 W EP2022086792 W EP 2022086792W WO 2024132100 A1 WO2024132100 A1 WO 2024132100A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key fob
digital key
vehicle
duty cycle
control unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2022/086792
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Knobloch
Felix Kaiser
Daniel Kuelzer
Walter Bronzi
Thorsten Knott
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Original Assignee
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG filed Critical Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority to PCT/EP2022/086792 priority Critical patent/WO2024132100A1/en
Priority to CN202280101924.3A priority patent/CN120225403A/en
Publication of WO2024132100A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024132100A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
    • B60R25/24—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
    • B60R25/245—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user where the antenna reception area plays a role
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
    • G07C2009/00365—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks in combination with a wake-up circuit
    • G07C2009/0038—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks in combination with a wake-up circuit whereby the wake-up circuit is situated in the keyless data carrier
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C2209/00—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00 - G07C9/38
    • G07C2209/60—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00174 - G07C9/00944
    • G07C2209/63—Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle

Definitions

  • the present document is directed at controlling one or more functions of a vehicle using a key fob.
  • a vehicle may comprise a communication unit which allows a user to control one or more functions of the vehicle using a portable device, such as a smartphone.
  • Example functions which may be controlled using the portable device are unlocking and/or locking of a door of the vehicle and/or starting the engine of the vehicle.
  • the portable device typically comprises a digital key (in particular, a CCC (Car Connectivity Consortium) digital key) for authentication of the portal device at the vehicle.
  • a portable device comprising a digital key may be referred to as a digital key device.
  • the present document is directed at the technical problem of controlling one or more vehicle functions using a key fob.
  • the technical problem is solved by the independent claim.
  • Preferred examples are specified in the dependent claims.
  • digital key fob is described.
  • the digital key fob may be carried by a user (e.g., within a hand of the user).
  • the digital key fob comprises a digital key (notably a CCC digital key, possibly release 3) authenticating the digital key fob for control of a function of a vehicle (e.g., of a car, a truck and/or a bus).
  • the digital key may be stored in a memory unit, in particular in a secure element, of the digital key fob.
  • Example functions of the vehicle are: an access function for accessing the vehicle, a function for controlling a motor of the vehicle, a function for controlling a window of the vehicle, a function for controlling a (comfort) component of the vehicle, etc.
  • the digital key fob comprises a communication unit configured to set up a communication link with the vehicle for controlling the function of the vehicle.
  • the communication link between the digital key fob and the vehicle may comprise a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and/or an Ultrawideband (LTWB) communication link.
  • BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
  • LCWB Ultrawideband
  • the digital key fob comprises a control unit which may be configured to cause the digital key fob to be authenticated at the vehicle using the digital key.
  • a key which is derived from the digital key may be sent to the vehicle via the communication link (e.g., via a BLE communication link).
  • the vehicle may verify the digital key, in order to grant or to reject authentication of the digital key fob.
  • the digital key fob may be informed via the communication link about the fact that authentication has been granted by the vehicle.
  • control unit may be configured (subject to authentication) to cause the vehicle function to be controlled in dependence of the digital key fob.
  • the control unit of the digital key fob may participate in a UWB ranging process (via the communication link) which allows the vehicle to determine the location of the digital key fob relative to the vehicle.
  • the vehicle function may be controlled in dependence of the location of the digital key fob.
  • a vehicle door may be unlocked, if it is determined (within the UWB ranging process) that the digital key fob sufficiently close to the vehicle door.
  • control unit may be configured to detect a communication partner, and to verify whether the communication partner is the vehicle associated with the digital key of the digital key fob.
  • a communication link in particular a BLE and/or UWB communication link, with the detected communication partner may be set up, if the communication partner is the vehicle associated with the digital key of the digital key fob.
  • the digital key fob may comprise one or more, in particular mechanical, control elements (e.g., one or more push buttons) which are associated with one or more corresponding control commands, respectively (e.g., for locking or for unlocking a door of the vehicle).
  • the control unit may be configured to detect that a control element has been actuated by the user of the digital key fob, and to send the control command which is associated with the actuated control element via the (BLE) communication link to the vehicle for controlling the vehicle function.
  • BLE the vehicle function may be controlled in particularly comfortable and reliable manner.
  • the digital key fob may comprise a mechanical and/or physical key (e.g., hidden within the housing of the digital key fob) which allows the user to open a door of the vehicle (e.g., if the battery of the digital key fob has run out of energy).
  • the mechanical key may be removable from the housing of the digital key fob.
  • the mechanical key may be configured to be inserted into a lock at the door of the vehicle, thereby allowing a user to physically unlock the door of the vehicle.
  • the control unit of the digital key fob may perform a scanning process for identifying an appropriate communication partner for the communication link (in particular for identifying the vehicle).
  • the scanning process may be repeated with a certain scanning duty cycle.
  • the scanning duty cycle may take on values between 0% (no scanning) and 100% (continuous scanning).
  • the control unit may be configured to adapt the (BLE) scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the communication link.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be adapted in dependence of sensor data from one or more sensors of the key fob.
  • Example sensors are a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope and/or an inertial measurement unit.
  • example sensors are a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, in particular a GPS receiver; a pressure sensor; and/or a temperature sensor.
  • GNSS global navigation satellite system
  • a digital key fob is described which is enabled for an energy efficient, comfortable and secure control of one or more vehicle functions using BLE and/or UWB communication.
  • the control unit of the digital key fob may be configured to determine, in particular based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the key fob, whether or not the digital key fob is approaching the vehicle and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be increased, if it is determined that the digital key fob is approaching the vehicle and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be decreased, if it is determined that the digital key fob is not approaching the vehicle and/or is not in the vicinity of the vehicle.
  • the control unit may be configured to detect at least one non-vehicle communication partner which is advertising for establishing a communication link (e.g., a BLE communication link, a WLAN communication link or another type of communication link) with the digital key fob. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to determine information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner, wherein the information may comprise a type of the non-vehicle communication partner (e.g., a radio, a smartphone, a home cinema system, etc.) and/or the location of the non-vehicle communication partner. The information may be determined via a communication between the digital key fob and the non- vehicle communication partner.
  • a type of the non-vehicle communication partner e.g., a radio, a smartphone, a home cinema system, etc.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be adapted in dependence of the information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner.
  • the information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner may be used to determine the probability that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be increased if the probability that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle is higher than a probability threshold.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be decreased if the probability that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle is lower than a probability threshold.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine motion information regarding the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob.
  • the motion information may be determined based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob.
  • the control unit may be configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the motion information, in particular such that the scanning duty cycle is increased, if the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob increases, and/or such that the scanning duty cycle is decreased, if the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob decreases.
  • the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be increased in a particularly reliable manner.
  • control unit may be configured to determine motion information regarding the motion of the digital key fob.
  • the motion information may e.g., be indicative of the direction of the motion of the digital key fob.
  • the motion information may be indictive of whether the digital key fob moves towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle.
  • the control unit may be configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the motion information, in particular such that the scanning duty cycle is increased, if the motion information indicates a movement of the digital key fob towards the vehicle, and/or such that the scanning duty cycle is decreased, if the motion information indicates a movement of the digital key fob away from the vehicle.
  • the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be increased in a particularly reliable manner.
  • the control unit may be configured to, based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob, detect and/or count one or more steps of the user of the digital key fob.
  • the activity, in particular the type of locomotion, of the user of the digital key fob may be determined (e.g., using a classification algorithm).
  • Example types of locomotion comprise: walking, running or biking.
  • the control unit may be configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the detected step, the determined step count and/or the determined activity of the user of the digital key fob, thereby further increasing the energy efficiency of the digital key fob without impacting the reliability of the control of the vehicle function.
  • the control unit may be configured to determine the current value of the scanning duty cycle, in particular based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob.
  • the current value may be compared with one or more previous values of the scanning duty cycle, which were used during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be adapted in dependence of the comparison. By taking into account historical data regarding the scanning duty cycle, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be further increased.
  • control unit may be configured to determine current sensor data from one or more sensors of the digital key fob.
  • the current sensor data may be indicative of the signal strength (e.g., the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)) of a (BLE and/or UWB) communication link.
  • RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator
  • control unit may be configured to compare the current sensor data with previous sensor data, which has been sensed by the one or more sensors of the digital key fob during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle.
  • the sensitivity for adapting the scanning duty cycle in particular a threshold that sensor data is compared with when adapting the scanning duty cycle, may be set in dependence of the comparison.
  • a threshold limit for the sensor data may be adapted.
  • a sensor data threshold may be adjusted depending on sensor data at the time of one or more interactions with the vehicle.
  • the sensor data may be indicative of the signal strength of the BLE signal, and a certain threshold (e.g., -50dBm) may have been set. It may be detected during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle, that the sensor data indicates a signal strength which is lower than the threshold (e.g., -60dBm), e.g., when the user grabs the door handle for opening the vehicle. As a result of this, the threshold may be adjusted, in particular lowered, (e.g., to -60 or -65dBm) based on the sensor data. By doing this, the reliability of the digital key fob may be increased.
  • a certain threshold e.g., -50dBm
  • the control unit may be configured to operate the digital key fob selectively in a sleep state (with particularly low energy consumption) and in a scan state (for identifying a communication partner).
  • the scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for establishing a communication link is typically (significantly) higher in the scan state than in the sleep state.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be 0% within the sleep state.
  • a state machine may be used for operating the digital key fob in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.
  • the control unit may be configured to detect a wake-up event, in particular based on a detected movement of the digital key fob (using the sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob).
  • the digital key fob may be transferred from the sleep state to the scan state.
  • the digital key fob may be maintained in the scan state for a (pre-) defined period of time (e.g., between 3 and 5 seconds, in particular for 4 seconds).
  • the digital key fob may be returned to the steep state (if the digital key fob has not been transferred to the connection state, during which the digital key fob is connected to the vehicle via a (BLE and/or UWB) communication link).
  • control unit may be configured to determine the probability, in particular based on sensor data of the one or more sensors of the digital key fob, that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle.
  • the digital key fob may be operated in the sleep state or in the scan state in dependence of the determined probability.
  • the digital key fob may be operated in the sleep state, if the probability is smaller than a predetermined probability threshold.
  • the digital key fob may be operated in the scan state, if the probability is higher than a pre-determined probability threshold. By doing this, the efficiency of the digital key fob may be further increased.
  • the control unit may be configured to update (increase or decrease) the scanning duty cycle repeatedly (e.g., with a certain update frequency of e.g., 1Hz or more, or 0,1 Hz or more), while the digital key fob is operated in the scan state.
  • a certain update frequency e.g. 1Hz or more, or 0,1 Hz or more
  • the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be further increased.
  • a system for controlling a function of a vehicle comprising the vehicle and the digital key fob which is described in the present document.
  • a method for controlling a function (e.g., an access function) of a vehicle (e.g., of a car, a truck and/or a bus) using a digital key fob comprises a digital key (in particular a CCC digital key release 3) authenticating the digital key fob for control of the function of the vehicle.
  • the digital key fob comprises a communication unit configured to set up a (BLE and/or UWB) communication link with the vehicle for controlling the function of the vehicle.
  • the method comprises adapting the (BLE) scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the (BLE) communication link, thereby enabling an energy efficient control of the vehicle function using a digital key fob.
  • a software program is described.
  • the software program may be adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
  • the storage medium may comprise a software program adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
  • the computer program may comprise executable instructions for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when executed on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.
  • Fig. la shows an example system for controlling a vehicle function using a digital key device
  • Fig. lb illustrates an example situation of a digital key device being located within the vicinity of a vehicle
  • Fig. 2 shows an example key fob for controlling a function of a vehicle
  • Fig. 3 shows an example state diagram with different operating states of the key fob.
  • Fig. la shows an example system 150 which comprises a vehicle 100 and at least one digital key device 110.
  • the digital key device 110 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, wherein a digital key I l l is stored on the portable electronic device, notably on a protected memory section and/or on a secure element of the portable electronic device.
  • the digital key device 110 may communicate with a communication unit 102 of the vehicle 102 via one or more different wireless communication links 112.
  • Different communication links 112 may be used for different purposes.
  • a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication link 112 may be used to
  • a Ultrawideband (UWB) communication link 112 may be used to determine the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100 in a relatively precise manner. The determination of the location of the device 110 using the UWB communication link 112 may be referred to as UWB ranging.
  • UWB ranging The determination of the location of the device 110 using the UWB communication link 112 may be referred to as UWB ranging.
  • a Nearfield Communication (NFC) communication link 112 may be used to enable a nearfield control of a vehicle function (notably for unlocking the vehicle 100).
  • NFC Nearfield Communication
  • a control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 may be configured to control at least one vehicle function 103 of the vehicle 100 in dependence of the communication between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, as illustrated in Fig. lb.
  • the digital key 111 of the device 110 may be verified, in particular authenticated.
  • one or more vehicle functions 103 may be controlled, notably in dependence of
  • a BLE communication link 112 may be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a first distance threshold 121.
  • a first distance threshold 121 This allows a user to perform a remote control of one or more vehicle functions 103 using the device 110.
  • the vehicle 100 advertises the availability of a BLE communication link 112 repeatedly, e.g., with a certain advertisement frequency.
  • the device 110 (which may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE)) receives the advertisement, subject to which the vehicle 100 and the device 110 establish the BLE communication link 112.
  • the first distance threshold 121 may be dependent on the communication capabilities of the device 110, on the environment of the vehicle 100 and the device 110 and/or of the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100).
  • a UWB communication link 112 may be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a second distance threshold 122 (which may be smaller than the first distance threshold 121 and/or which may depend on communication capabilities of the device 110), thereby allowing the location of the device 110 to be determined in a precise manner.
  • a second distance threshold 122 which may be smaller than the first distance threshold 121 and/or which may depend on communication capabilities of the device 110
  • the control of one or more further vehicle functions 103 may be enabled.
  • Fig. 2 shows an example key fob 210.
  • the key fob 210 may comprise a digital key 111, wherein the digital key 111 may be stored within a secure element 204 of the key fob 210.
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to be used as a digital key device 110 within a control system 150 for controlling one or more vehicle function 103 of the vehicle 100.
  • a key fob 210 which is configured to be used as a digital key device 110 may be referred to as digital key fob.
  • the features which are described herein for a digital key device 110 are also applicable to a digital key fob 210.
  • the key fob 210 comprises a communication unit 202 which is configured to establish a communication link 112, in particular a BLE and/or UWB and/or an NFC communication link, with the communication unit 102 of the vehicle 100.
  • the key fob 210 further comprises an energy storage unit 206 (notably a battery) configured to store electrical energy for operating the key fob 210.
  • the key fob 210 may comprise one or more sensors 203, in particular one or more inertial measurement units, which are configured to provide sensor data that is indicative of the orientation and/or of the movement of the key fob 210.
  • a control unit 201 of the key fob 210 may be configured to determine whether or not the key fob 210 is moving, based on the sensor data from the one or more sensors 203 of the key fob 210.
  • the key fob 210 may comprise one or more control elements 205 (notably one or more press buttons) which may be actuated by a user for generating a control command for controlling a vehicle function 103.
  • a control element 205 for unlocking a door of the vehicle 100 and/or a control element 205 for locking the door may be provided.
  • the control unit 201 of the key fob 210 may be configured to detect the actuation of a control element 205.
  • the control unit 201 may be configured to send the control command which is associated with the actuated control element 205 to the vehicle 100 (via the communication link 112), thereby enabling the remote control of a vehicle function 103.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example state diagram 300 for operating the key fob 210 in an energy efficient manner.
  • the key fob 210 may be in an idle or sleep state 301, when the key fob 210 is not being used and/or moved. By way of example, it may be determined based on the sensor data of the one or more (motion) sensors 203 that the key fob 210 is not moving. As a consequence, the key fob 210 may be placed in the sleep state 301, wherein the key fob 210 has a particularly low energy consumption within the sleep state 301. In particular, a scanning operation of the communication unit 202 (for identifying a corresponding (BLE) communication partner) may be suspended within the sleep state 301.
  • BLE corresponding
  • the control unit 201 may be configured to detect a wake-up event 311, subject to which the key fob 210 transits from the sleep state 301 to a scan state 302, wherein the key fob 210 repeatedly scans for a (BLE) communication partner within the scan state 302.
  • the wake-up event 311 may be detected based on the sensor data of the one or more (motion) sensors 203 of the key fob 210. By way of example, it may be detected as a wake-up event 311 that the key fob 210 is moving.
  • the control unit 201 may repeatedly verify whether a sleep event 312 occurs, which triggers a transition from the scan state 302 back to the sleep state 301.
  • the sleep event 312 may be detected based on the sensor data of the one or more (motion) sensors 203. By way of example, it may be detected that there is a relatively low probability (e.g., smaller than a pre-determined probability threshold) that the key fob 210 is approaching a vehicle 210 (e.g., because the key fob 210 is not moving). This may trigger the transition into the sleep state 301, thereby possibly suspending the scan operation.
  • the scanning duty cycle of the key fob 210 may be updated (event 313), e.g., in dependence of the moving speed of the key fob 210.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be increased.
  • the scanning duty cycle may be reduced.
  • the key fob 210 may transition from the scan state 302 to the connection state 303, within which a (BLE) communication link 112 is established with the communication partner.
  • the control unit 201 may be configured to verify whether the communication partner is known to the key fob 210, and a connection event 314 may be detected subject to a positive verification.
  • the key fob 210 may act as a BLE central device, and the vehicle 100 may act as peripheral.
  • the key fob 210 may enter the BLE scanning state 302 (as defined in Bluetooth Core specification V5.2 Vol 6 Part B 4.4.3, which is incorporated herein by reference).
  • the power consumption of the key fob 210 in scanning state 302 is typically significantly higher than in the sleep state 301 or in the connected state 303.
  • the state diagram 300 of Fig. 3 the time spent in the scan state 302 may be reduced, in particular minimized.
  • the key fob 210 i.e., an authentication device which is configured to control an access function 103 of a vehicle 100, wherein the authentication device is not a smartphone or a smart device
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to authenticate over a BLE communication link 112.
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to securely range over UWB.
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to use a protocol which initiates a communication over BLE and which initiates a mutual authentication to derive a ranging key.
  • the key fob 210 may communicate over BLE to trigger a secure ranging over UWB using SP0 and SP3 packets with a ranging key as defined in 802.15.4z to identify the proximity of the key to the vehicle 100. Details regarding the BLE and/or UWB communication and/or the authentication process are described in the CCC Release 3 specification 4 (which is incorporated herein by reference).
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to use a BLE scanning duty cycle of less than 100%.
  • the BLE scanning may be triggered by a logic which detects an approach of the key fob 210 towards the vehicle 100.
  • An appropriate scanning duty cycle may be determined based on one or more devices detected in relatively close proximity using BLE, Wifi and/or other technologies.
  • the BLE scanning duty cycle may be reduced.
  • the energy consumption of the key fob 210 may be reduced.
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to use a sensor 103 for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle.
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to use a GPS sensor for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the key fob 210 may be configured to use a pressure sensor for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the key fob 210 may be configured to use a heat and/or temperature sensor for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle.
  • the key fob 210 may be configured to detect an approach towards a vehicle 100 using a motion sensor, an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.
  • the sensor data of the one or more sensors 103 of the key fob 201 may be analyzed (using an appropriate logic) to provide a step counter and/or a step detector and/or to provide an activity classification, for distinguishing e.g., walking from running and from other activities like biking, etc.
  • the control unit 201 of the key fob 210 may be configured to determine a value of the scanning duty cycle based on the sensor data of the one or more sensors 103 of the key fob 210. This current value may be compared with one or more values from one or more previous vehicle interactions, thereby further increasing the energy efficiency of the key fob 210.
  • the default state of the key fob 210 may be the sleep state 301 which is a low power state with limited sensor activity and/or with a low or zero BLE scanning duty cycle.
  • the BLE module 202 of the key fob 210 may scan using a scanning duty cycle of ⁇ 100% of the time.
  • the key fob 210 may register a “Scan Intend” and may exit the sleep state 301 and may enter the BLE scan state 302.
  • the motion of the key fob 210 may be classified using a logic that may be implemented in the motion sensor 203 or the microcontroller 201 of the key fob 210.
  • one or more sensor inputs like GPS position of the key fob 210, received BLE advertisements (and their origin), heat sensors, or barometers and/or the history thereof may be used to improve the accuracy of the predicted vehicle approach probability of the key fob 210.
  • the key fob 210 receives a signal of a known vehicle 100, the key fob 210 enters the Establish BLE connection state 303. If the motion classification algorithm determines the vehicle approach probability to be low (event 312), the key fob 210 may go to the sleep state 301.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The present document describes a digital key fob (210) comprising a digital key (111) authenticating the digital key fob (210) for control of a function (103) of a vehicle (100), and a communication unit (202) configured to set up a communication link (112), in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy and/or an Ultrawideband communication link, with the vehicle (100) for controlling the function (103). Furthermore, the digital key fob (210) comprises a control unit (201) configured to adapt a scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the communication link (112).

Description

Key Fob for Controlling a Vehicle Function
The present document is directed at controlling one or more functions of a vehicle using a key fob.
A vehicle may comprise a communication unit which allows a user to control one or more functions of the vehicle using a portable device, such as a smartphone. Example functions which may be controlled using the portable device are unlocking and/or locking of a door of the vehicle and/or starting the engine of the vehicle. The portable device typically comprises a digital key (in particular, a CCC (Car Connectivity Consortium) digital key) for authentication of the portal device at the vehicle. A portable device comprising a digital key may be referred to as a digital key device.
The present document is directed at the technical problem of controlling one or more vehicle functions using a key fob. The technical problem is solved by the independent claim. Preferred examples are specified in the dependent claims.
According to an aspect, digital key fob is described. The digital key fob may be carried by a user (e.g., within a hand of the user). The digital key fob comprises a digital key (notably a CCC digital key, possibly release 3) authenticating the digital key fob for control of a function of a vehicle (e.g., of a car, a truck and/or a bus). The digital key may be stored in a memory unit, in particular in a secure element, of the digital key fob. Example functions of the vehicle are: an access function for accessing the vehicle, a function for controlling a motor of the vehicle, a function for controlling a window of the vehicle, a function for controlling a (comfort) component of the vehicle, etc.
Furthermore, the digital key fob comprises a communication unit configured to set up a communication link with the vehicle for controlling the function of the vehicle. The communication link between the digital key fob and the vehicle may comprise a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and/or an Ultrawideband (LTWB) communication link.
The digital key fob comprises a control unit which may be configured to cause the digital key fob to be authenticated at the vehicle using the digital key. For this purpose, a key which is derived from the digital key may be sent to the vehicle via the communication link (e.g., via a BLE communication link). The vehicle may verify the digital key, in order to grant or to reject authentication of the digital key fob. The digital key fob may be informed via the communication link about the fact that authentication has been granted by the vehicle.
Furthermore, the control unit may be configured (subject to authentication) to cause the vehicle function to be controlled in dependence of the digital key fob. In particular, the control unit of the digital key fob may participate in a UWB ranging process (via the communication link) which allows the vehicle to determine the location of the digital key fob relative to the vehicle. The vehicle function may be controlled in dependence of the location of the digital key fob. By way of example, a vehicle door may be unlocked, if it is determined (within the UWB ranging process) that the digital key fob sufficiently close to the vehicle door.
Hence, the control unit may be configured to detect a communication partner, and to verify whether the communication partner is the vehicle associated with the digital key of the digital key fob. A communication link, in particular a BLE and/or UWB communication link, with the detected communication partner may be set up, if the communication partner is the vehicle associated with the digital key of the digital key fob.
The digital key fob may comprise one or more, in particular mechanical, control elements (e.g., one or more push buttons) which are associated with one or more corresponding control commands, respectively (e.g., for locking or for unlocking a door of the vehicle). The control unit may be configured to detect that a control element has been actuated by the user of the digital key fob, and to send the control command which is associated with the actuated control element via the (BLE) communication link to the vehicle for controlling the vehicle function. As a result of this, the vehicle function may be controlled in particularly comfortable and reliable manner.
The digital key fob may comprise a mechanical and/or physical key (e.g., hidden within the housing of the digital key fob) which allows the user to open a door of the vehicle (e.g., if the battery of the digital key fob has run out of energy). The mechanical key may be removable from the housing of the digital key fob. The mechanical key may be configured to be inserted into a lock at the door of the vehicle, thereby allowing a user to physically unlock the door of the vehicle.
Prior to establishing a communication link with a communication partner (notably with the vehicle), the control unit of the digital key fob may perform a scanning process for identifying an appropriate communication partner for the communication link (in particular for identifying the vehicle). The scanning process may be repeated with a certain scanning duty cycle. The scanning duty cycle may take on values between 0% (no scanning) and 100% (continuous scanning). The control unit may be configured to adapt the (BLE) scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the communication link.
The scanning duty cycle may be adapted in dependence of sensor data from one or more sensors of the key fob. Example sensors are a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope and/or an inertial measurement unit. Alternatively, or in addition, example sensors are a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, in particular a GPS receiver; a pressure sensor; and/or a temperature sensor. Hence, a digital key fob is described which is enabled for an energy efficient, comfortable and secure control of one or more vehicle functions using BLE and/or UWB communication.
The control unit of the digital key fob may be configured to determine, in particular based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the key fob, whether or not the digital key fob is approaching the vehicle and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle. The scanning duty cycle may be increased, if it is determined that the digital key fob is approaching the vehicle and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, the scanning duty cycle may be decreased, if it is determined that the digital key fob is not approaching the vehicle and/or is not in the vicinity of the vehicle. By selectively increasing the (BLE) scanning duty cycle, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be increased without impacting the reliability of the vehicle control.
The control unit may be configured to detect at least one non-vehicle communication partner which is advertising for establishing a communication link (e.g., a BLE communication link, a WLAN communication link or another type of communication link) with the digital key fob. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to determine information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner, wherein the information may comprise a type of the non-vehicle communication partner (e.g., a radio, a smartphone, a home cinema system, etc.) and/or the location of the non-vehicle communication partner. The information may be determined via a communication between the digital key fob and the non- vehicle communication partner.
The scanning duty cycle may be adapted in dependence of the information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner. In particular, the information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner may be used to determine the probability that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle. The scanning duty cycle may be increased if the probability that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle is higher than a probability threshold. On the other hand, the scanning duty cycle may be decreased if the probability that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle is lower than a probability threshold. By taking into account one or more non-vehicle communication partners in the vicinity of the digital key fob, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be increased in a particularly reliable manner.
The control unit may be configured to determine motion information regarding the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob. The motion information may be determined based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the motion information, in particular such that the scanning duty cycle is increased, if the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob increases, and/or such that the scanning duty cycle is decreased, if the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob decreases. By taking into account the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be increased in a particularly reliable manner.
Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit may be configured to determine motion information regarding the motion of the digital key fob. The motion information may e.g., be indicative of the direction of the motion of the digital key fob. In particular, the motion information may be indictive of whether the digital key fob moves towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle. The control unit may be configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the motion information, in particular such that the scanning duty cycle is increased, if the motion information indicates a movement of the digital key fob towards the vehicle, and/or such that the scanning duty cycle is decreased, if the motion information indicates a movement of the digital key fob away from the vehicle. By taking into account motion information regarding the motion (e.g., regarding the direction of the motion) of the digital key fob, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be increased in a particularly reliable manner.
The control unit may be configured to, based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob, detect and/or count one or more steps of the user of the digital key fob. Alternatively, or in addition the activity, in particular the type of locomotion, of the user of the digital key fob may be determined (e.g., using a classification algorithm). Example types of locomotion comprise: walking, running or biking. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the detected step, the determined step count and/or the determined activity of the user of the digital key fob, thereby further increasing the energy efficiency of the digital key fob without impacting the reliability of the control of the vehicle function.
The control unit may be configured to determine the current value of the scanning duty cycle, in particular based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob. The current value may be compared with one or more previous values of the scanning duty cycle, which were used during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle. The scanning duty cycle may be adapted in dependence of the comparison. By taking into account historical data regarding the scanning duty cycle, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be further increased.
Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit may be configured to determine current sensor data from one or more sensors of the digital key fob. By way of example, the current sensor data may be indicative of the signal strength (e.g., the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)) of a (BLE and/or UWB) communication link.
Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to compare the current sensor data with previous sensor data, which has been sensed by the one or more sensors of the digital key fob during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle. The sensitivity for adapting the scanning duty cycle, in particular a threshold that sensor data is compared with when adapting the scanning duty cycle, may be set in dependence of the comparison. Hence, a threshold limit for the sensor data may be adapted. In particular, a sensor data threshold may be adjusted depending on sensor data at the time of one or more interactions with the vehicle.
By way of example, the sensor data may be indicative of the signal strength of the BLE signal, and a certain threshold (e.g., -50dBm) may have been set. It may be detected during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle, that the sensor data indicates a signal strength which is lower than the threshold (e.g., -60dBm), e.g., when the user grabs the door handle for opening the vehicle. As a result of this, the threshold may be adjusted, in particular lowered, (e.g., to -60 or -65dBm) based on the sensor data. By doing this, the reliability of the digital key fob may be increased.
The control unit may be configured to operate the digital key fob selectively in a sleep state (with particularly low energy consumption) and in a scan state (for identifying a communication partner). The scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for establishing a communication link is typically (significantly) higher in the scan state than in the sleep state. In particular, the scanning duty cycle may be 0% within the sleep state. Hence, a state machine may be used for operating the digital key fob in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.
The control unit may be configured to detect a wake-up event, in particular based on a detected movement of the digital key fob (using the sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital key fob). In reaction to detecting the wake-up event, the digital key fob may be transferred from the sleep state to the scan state. Furthermore, the digital key fob may be maintained in the scan state for a (pre-) defined period of time (e.g., between 3 and 5 seconds, in particular for 4 seconds). After the (pre-) defined period of time, the digital key fob may be returned to the steep state (if the digital key fob has not been transferred to the connection state, during which the digital key fob is connected to the vehicle via a (BLE and/or UWB) communication link).
Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit may be configured to determine the probability, in particular based on sensor data of the one or more sensors of the digital key fob, that the digital key fob is approaching and/or is in the vicinity of the vehicle. The digital key fob may be operated in the sleep state or in the scan state in dependence of the determined probability. In particular, the digital key fob may be operated in the sleep state, if the probability is smaller than a predetermined probability threshold. On the other hand, the digital key fob may be operated in the scan state, if the probability is higher than a pre-determined probability threshold. By doing this, the efficiency of the digital key fob may be further increased.
The control unit may be configured to update (increase or decrease) the scanning duty cycle repeatedly (e.g., with a certain update frequency of e.g., 1Hz or more, or 0,1 Hz or more), while the digital key fob is operated in the scan state. By adapting the scanning duty cycle within the scan state, the energy efficiency of the digital key fob may be further increased.
According to a further aspect, a system for controlling a function of a vehicle is described, wherein the system comprises the vehicle and the digital key fob which is described in the present document.
According to another aspect, a method for controlling a function (e.g., an access function) of a vehicle (e.g., of a car, a truck and/or a bus) using a digital key fob is described. The digital key fob comprises a digital key (in particular a CCC digital key release 3) authenticating the digital key fob for control of the function of the vehicle. Furthermore, the digital key fob comprises a communication unit configured to set up a (BLE and/or UWB) communication link with the vehicle for controlling the function of the vehicle.
The method comprises adapting the (BLE) scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the (BLE) communication link, thereby enabling an energy efficient control of the vehicle function using a digital key fob.
According to a further aspect, a software program is described. The software program may be adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium may comprise a software program adapted for execution on a processor and for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when carried out on the processor.
According to a further aspect, a computer program product is described. The computer program may comprise executable instructions for performing the method steps outlined in the present document when executed on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.
It should be noted that the methods and systems including its preferred embodiments as outlined in the present patent application may be used standalone or in combination with the other methods and systems disclosed in this document. Furthermore, all aspects of the methods and systems outlined in the present patent application may be arbitrarily combined. In particular, the features of the claims may be combined with one another in an arbitrary manner. Furthermore, it is noted that brackets are used within the present document to indicate optional features. The invention is explained below in an exemplary manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
Fig. la shows an example system for controlling a vehicle function using a digital key device;
Fig. lb illustrates an example situation of a digital key device being located within the vicinity of a vehicle;
Fig. 2 shows an example key fob for controlling a function of a vehicle; and Fig. 3 shows an example state diagram with different operating states of the key fob.
As outlined above, the present document is directed at the technical problem of providing a particularly comfortable and secure vehicle access and/or control system. In this context, Fig. la shows an example system 150 which comprises a vehicle 100 and at least one digital key device 110. The digital key device 110 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, wherein a digital key I l l is stored on the portable electronic device, notably on a protected memory section and/or on a secure element of the portable electronic device.
The digital key device 110 may communicate with a communication unit 102 of the vehicle 102 via one or more different wireless communication links 112. Different communication links 112 may be used for different purposes. In particular, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication link 112 may be used to
• determine the distance and/or the relative position between the digital key device 110 and the vehicle 100 (notably based on the signal strength, in particular the RS SI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), of the radio signals which are exchanged between the vehicle 100 and the device 110, and/or based on a channel sounding technique); and/or
• exchange data between the digital key device 110 (e.g., a control command for controlling a vehicle function, such as unlocking a door and/or opening or closing a window and/or activating or deactivating a heating function).
Alternatively, or in addition, a Ultrawideband (UWB) communication link 112 may be used to determine the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100 in a relatively precise manner. The determination of the location of the device 110 using the UWB communication link 112 may be referred to as UWB ranging.
Alternatively, or in addition, a Nearfield Communication (NFC) communication link 112 may be used to enable a nearfield control of a vehicle function (notably for unlocking the vehicle 100).
A control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 may be configured to control at least one vehicle function 103 of the vehicle 100 in dependence of the communication between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, as illustrated in Fig. lb. In this context, the digital key 111 of the device 110 may be verified, in particular authenticated. Furthermore, subjected to authentication, one or more vehicle functions 103 may be controlled, notably in dependence of
• the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100;
• the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100; and/or
• a control command sent by the device 110 to the vehicle 100 via a communication link 112.
In an example system 150, a BLE communication link 112 may be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a first distance threshold 121. This allows a user to perform a remote control of one or more vehicle functions 103 using the device 110. Typically, the vehicle 100 advertises the availability of a BLE communication link 112 repeatedly, e.g., with a certain advertisement frequency. At the first distance threshold 121 the device 110 (which may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE)) receives the advertisement, subject to which the vehicle 100 and the device 110 establish the BLE communication link 112. Hence, the first distance threshold 121 may be dependent on the communication capabilities of the device 110, on the environment of the vehicle 100 and the device 110 and/or of the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100).
Furthermore, a UWB communication link 112 may be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a second distance threshold 122 (which may be smaller than the first distance threshold 121 and/or which may depend on communication capabilities of the device 110), thereby allowing the location of the device 110 to be determined in a precise manner. Subject to establishing the UWB communication link 112 and/or subject to determining the location of the device 110, the control of one or more further vehicle functions 103 (further to the one or more functions 103 which may be controlled via the BLE communication link 112) may be enabled.
Fig. 2 shows an example key fob 210. The key fob 210 may comprise a digital key 111, wherein the digital key 111 may be stored within a secure element 204 of the key fob 210. In particular, the key fob 210 may be configured to be used as a digital key device 110 within a control system 150 for controlling one or more vehicle function 103 of the vehicle 100. A key fob 210 which is configured to be used as a digital key device 110 may be referred to as digital key fob. Hence, the features which are described herein for a digital key device 110 are also applicable to a digital key fob 210.
The key fob 210 comprises a communication unit 202 which is configured to establish a communication link 112, in particular a BLE and/or UWB and/or an NFC communication link, with the communication unit 102 of the vehicle 100. The key fob 210 further comprises an energy storage unit 206 (notably a battery) configured to store electrical energy for operating the key fob 210. Furthermore, the key fob 210 may comprise one or more sensors 203, in particular one or more inertial measurement units, which are configured to provide sensor data that is indicative of the orientation and/or of the movement of the key fob 210. A control unit 201 of the key fob 210 may be configured to determine whether or not the key fob 210 is moving, based on the sensor data from the one or more sensors 203 of the key fob 210.
The key fob 210 may comprise one or more control elements 205 (notably one or more press buttons) which may be actuated by a user for generating a control command for controlling a vehicle function 103. By way of example, a control element 205 for unlocking a door of the vehicle 100 and/or a control element 205 for locking the door may be provided. The control unit 201 of the key fob 210 may be configured to detect the actuation of a control element 205. Furthermore, the control unit 201 may be configured to send the control command which is associated with the actuated control element 205 to the vehicle 100 (via the communication link 112), thereby enabling the remote control of a vehicle function 103.
Fig. 3 shows an example state diagram 300 for operating the key fob 210 in an energy efficient manner. The key fob 210 may be in an idle or sleep state 301, when the key fob 210 is not being used and/or moved. By way of example, it may be determined based on the sensor data of the one or more (motion) sensors 203 that the key fob 210 is not moving. As a consequence, the key fob 210 may be placed in the sleep state 301, wherein the key fob 210 has a particularly low energy consumption within the sleep state 301. In particular, a scanning operation of the communication unit 202 (for identifying a corresponding (BLE) communication partner) may be suspended within the sleep state 301. Furthermore, the activity of the one or more sensors 103 may be reduced (compared to the activity within the one or more other states 302, 303 of the key fob 201). The control unit 201 may be configured to detect a wake-up event 311, subject to which the key fob 210 transits from the sleep state 301 to a scan state 302, wherein the key fob 210 repeatedly scans for a (BLE) communication partner within the scan state 302. The wake-up event 311 may be detected based on the sensor data of the one or more (motion) sensors 203 of the key fob 210. By way of example, it may be detected as a wake-up event 311 that the key fob 210 is moving.
While in the scan state 312, the control unit 201 may repeatedly verify whether a sleep event 312 occurs, which triggers a transition from the scan state 302 back to the sleep state 301. The sleep event 312 may be detected based on the sensor data of the one or more (motion) sensors 203. By way of example, it may be detected that there is a relatively low probability (e.g., smaller than a pre-determined probability threshold) that the key fob 210 is approaching a vehicle 210 (e.g., because the key fob 210 is not moving). This may trigger the transition into the sleep state 301, thereby possibly suspending the scan operation.
While within the scan state 302, the scanning duty cycle of the key fob 210 may be updated (event 313), e.g., in dependence of the moving speed of the key fob 210. By way of example, if it is determined (based on the sensor data of the one or more sensors 203) that the key fob 210 moves with a speed which is higher than a pre-determined speed threshold, the scanning duty cycle may be increased. On the other hand, if it is determined that the key fob 210 moves with a speed which is lower than the pre-determined speed threshold (which may be at or close to zero), the scanning duty cycle may be reduced. By updating the scanning duty cycle, the energy consumption of the key fab 210 may be further reduced.
If a communication partner, notably the communication unit 102 of the vehicle 100 corresponding to the digital key 111, is detected, i.e., if a connection event 314 is detected, the key fob 210 may transition from the scan state 302 to the connection state 303, within which a (BLE) communication link 112 is established with the communication partner. The control unit 201 may be configured to verify whether the communication partner is known to the key fob 210, and a connection event 314 may be detected subject to a positive verification.
Hence, the key fob 210 may act as a BLE central device, and the vehicle 100 may act as peripheral. For BLE radio link establishment, the key fob 210 may enter the BLE scanning state 302 (as defined in Bluetooth Core specification V5.2 Vol 6 Part B 4.4.3, which is incorporated herein by reference). The power consumption of the key fob 210 in scanning state 302 is typically significantly higher than in the sleep state 301 or in the connected state 303. Using the state diagram 300 of Fig. 3, the time spent in the scan state 302 may be reduced, in particular minimized.
Hence, a key fob 210 using BLE and UWB is described. Furthermore, different means for minimizing the power consumption of the key fob 210 are described. The key fob 210 (i.e., an authentication device which is configured to control an access function 103 of a vehicle 100, wherein the authentication device is not a smartphone or a smart device) may be configured to authenticate over a BLE communication link 112. Furthermore, the key fob 210 may be configured to securely range over UWB. The key fob 210 may be configured to use a protocol which initiates a communication over BLE and which initiates a mutual authentication to derive a ranging key. Furthermore, the key fob 210 may communicate over BLE to trigger a secure ranging over UWB using SP0 and SP3 packets with a ranging key as defined in 802.15.4z to identify the proximity of the key to the vehicle 100. Details regarding the BLE and/or UWB communication and/or the authentication process are described in the CCC Release 3 specification 4 (which is incorporated herein by reference).
The key fob 210 may be configured to use a BLE scanning duty cycle of less than 100%. The BLE scanning may be triggered by a logic which detects an approach of the key fob 210 towards the vehicle 100. An appropriate scanning duty cycle may be determined based on one or more devices detected in relatively close proximity using BLE, Wifi and/or other technologies. By way of example, if the key fob 210 detects a home cinema receiver, it can be concluded that the key fob 210 is most likely not close to the vehicle 100. By consequence, the BLE scanning duty cycle may be reduced. By adjusting the BLE scanning duty cycle, the energy consumption of the key fob 210 may be reduced.
The key fob 210 may be configured to use a sensor 103 for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle.
Alternatively, or in addition, the key fob 210 may be configured to use a GPS sensor for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the key fob 210 may be configured to use a pressure sensor for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the key fob 210 may be configured to use a heat and/or temperature sensor for detecting a vehicle approach and/or for determining an appropriate scanning duty cycle.
Alternatively, or in addition, the key fob 210 may be configured to detect an approach towards a vehicle 100 using a motion sensor, an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The sensor data of the one or more sensors 103 of the key fob 201 may be analyzed (using an appropriate logic) to provide a step counter and/or a step detector and/or to provide an activity classification, for distinguishing e.g., walking from running and from other activities like biking, etc.
The control unit 201 of the key fob 210 may be configured to determine a value of the scanning duty cycle based on the sensor data of the one or more sensors 103 of the key fob 210. This current value may be compared with one or more values from one or more previous vehicle interactions, thereby further increasing the energy efficiency of the key fob 210. As illustrated in the state diagram 300 of Fig. 3, the default state of the key fob 210 may be the sleep state 301 which is a low power state with limited sensor activity and/or with a low or zero BLE scanning duty cycle. During the BLE scan state 302, the BLE module 202 of the key fob 210 may scan using a scanning duty cycle of < 100% of the time. Upon a sensor-triggered event 311 (e.g., detecting a change in orientation of the key fob 210 with a gyroscope and/or detecting an acceleration of the key fob 210 with an accelerometer), the key fob 210 may register a “Scan Intend” and may exit the sleep state 301 and may enter the BLE scan state 302. In the BLE scan state 302, the motion of the key fob 210 may be classified using a logic that may be implemented in the motion sensor 203 or the microcontroller 201 of the key fob 210. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more sensor inputs like GPS position of the key fob 210, received BLE advertisements (and their origin), heat sensors, or barometers and/or the history thereof may be used to improve the accuracy of the predicted vehicle approach probability of the key fob 210.
If the key fob 210 receives a signal of a known vehicle 100, the key fob 210 enters the Establish BLE connection state 303. If the motion classification algorithm determines the vehicle approach probability to be low (event 312), the key fob 210 may go to the sleep state 301.
It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiment outlined in the present document are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Furthermore, all statements herein providing principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims
1) A digital key fob (210) comprising
- a digital key (111) authenticating the digital key fob (210) for control of a function (103) of a vehicle (100);
- a communication unit (202) configured to set up a communication link (112), in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy and/or an Ultrawideband communication link, with the vehicle (100) for controlling the function (103); and
- a control unit (201) configured to adapt a scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the communication link (112).
2) The digital key fob (210) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- determine, in particular based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the key fob (210), whether or not the digital key fob (210) is approaching the vehicle (100); and
- increase the scanning duty cycle, if it is determined that the digital key fob (210) is approaching the vehicle (100); and/or
- decrease the scanning duty cycle, if it is determined that the digital key fob (210) is not approaching the vehicle (100).
3) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the key fob (210).
4) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more sensors (103) comprise,
- a motion sensor;
- an accelerometer; a gyroscope; and/or an inertial measurement unit.
5) The digital key fob (210) of any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the one or more sensors (103) comprise,
- a global navigation satellite system receiver, in particular a GPS receiver;
- a pressure sensor; and/or
- a temperature sensor.
6) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- detect at least one non-vehicle communication partner which is advertising for establishing a communication link with the digital key fob (210);
- determine information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner; wherein the information comprises,
- a type of the non-vehicle communication partner; and/or
- a location of the non-vehicle communication partner; and
- adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the information regarding the non-vehicle communication partner.
7) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- determine motion information regarding a motion of the digital key fob (210), in particular based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital key fob (210); and
- adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the motion information, in particular such that the scanning duty cycle is increased, if the motion information indicates an increase of a moving speed and/or an acceleration of the digital key fob (210), and/or such that the scanning duty cycle is decreased, if the motion information indicates a decrease of the moving speed and/or the acceleration of the digital key fob (210).
8) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to, based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital key fob (210),
- detect and/or count one or more steps of a user of the digital key fob (210); and/or
- determine an activity, in particular a type of locomotion, of the user of the digital key fob (210); wherein the type of locomotion comprises in particular one of: walking, running or biking; and
- adapt the scanning duty cycle in dependence of the detected step, the determined step count and/or the determined activity of the user of the digital key fob (210).
9) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- determine current sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital key fob (210);
- compare the current sensor data with previous sensor data, which has been sensed by the one or more sensors (103) of the digital key fob (210) during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle (100); and
- setting a sensitivity for adapting the scanning duty cycle, in particular setting a threshold that sensor data is compared with when adapting the scanning duty cycle, in dependence of the comparison.
10) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to operate the digital key fob (210) selectively in a sleep state (301) and in a scan state (302); wherein the scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for establishing a communication link (112) is higher in the scan state (302) than in the sleep state (301).
11) The digital key fob (210) of claim 10, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- detect a wake-up event (311), in particular based on a detected movement of the digital key fob (210); and
- in reaction to detecting the wake-up event (311), transfer the digital key fob (210) from the sleep state (301) to the scan state (302) for a defined period of time.
12) The digital key fob (210) of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- determine a probability, in particular based on sensor data of one or more sensors (103) of the digital key fob (201), that the digital key fob (210) is approaching the vehicle (100); and
- operate the digital key fob (210) in the sleep state (301) or in the scan state (302) in dependence of the determined probability.
13) The digital key fob (210) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to update the scanning duty cycle repeatedly, while the digital key fob (210) is operated in the scan state (302).
14) The digital key fob (210) of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the control unit (201) is configured to
- detect a communication partner;
- verify whether the communication partner is the vehicle (100) associated with the digital key (111) of the digital key fob (210); and - set up a communication link (112), in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy communication link, with the detected communication partner, if the communication partner is the vehicle (100) associated with the digital key (111) of the digital key fob (210).
15) The digital key fob (210) of any one of the previous claims, wherein
- the digital key fob (210) comprises one or more, in particular mechanical, control elements (205) which are associated with one or more corresponding control commands, respectively; and - the control unit (201) is configured to
- detect that a control element (205) has been actuated by a user of the digital key fob (210); and
- send the control command which is associated with the actuated control element (205) via the communication link (112) to the vehicle (100) for controlling the vehicle function
(103).
PCT/EP2022/086792 2022-12-19 2022-12-19 Key fob for controlling a vehicle function Ceased WO2024132100A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2022/086792 WO2024132100A1 (en) 2022-12-19 2022-12-19 Key fob for controlling a vehicle function
CN202280101924.3A CN120225403A (en) 2022-12-19 2022-12-19 Remote control key for controlling vehicle functions

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2022/086792 WO2024132100A1 (en) 2022-12-19 2022-12-19 Key fob for controlling a vehicle function

Publications (1)

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WO2024132100A1 true WO2024132100A1 (en) 2024-06-27

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Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130176069A1 (en) * 2012-01-06 2013-07-11 Frank Leong Wireless communications circuit
US20170353838A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2017-12-07 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Position-based limited-response mode operation in a vehicle communication system
US20180178758A1 (en) * 2015-07-29 2018-06-28 Denso Corporation Vehicle control system
US20210197764A1 (en) * 2018-04-04 2021-07-01 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Control method and apparatus
US20210209873A1 (en) * 2020-01-06 2021-07-08 Denso International America, Inc. Vehicle Controlled Polling Reduction At Mobile Device Based On Motion Status Reported By Mobile Device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130176069A1 (en) * 2012-01-06 2013-07-11 Frank Leong Wireless communications circuit
US20170353838A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2017-12-07 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Position-based limited-response mode operation in a vehicle communication system
US20180178758A1 (en) * 2015-07-29 2018-06-28 Denso Corporation Vehicle control system
US20210197764A1 (en) * 2018-04-04 2021-07-01 Jaguar Land Rover Limited Control method and apparatus
US20210209873A1 (en) * 2020-01-06 2021-07-08 Denso International America, Inc. Vehicle Controlled Polling Reduction At Mobile Device Based On Motion Status Reported By Mobile Device

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