Abstract
The invention relates to a module unit (10) for adapting a mobile portable communication device (20) to a security system (1) of a vehicle (2), in particular for the keyless activation of an access system of the vehicle (2), with an interface (10.1) for the data exchange (30) with the communication device (20), and at least one communication unit (10.2) for the communication with the security system (1), wherein the module unit (10) is configured in such a way that the communication can be performed by a wideband communication method.
Claims
1. A module unit for adapting a mobile, portable communication device to a security system of a vehicle, having an interface for data exchange with the communication device, and at least one communication unit for the communication with the security system, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that the communication can be performed by a wideband communication method.
2. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit for communication by the wideband communication method is configured as an ultra-wideband communication unit, wherein preferably the ultra-wideband communication unit is configured as a first communication unit, and at least one second communication unit is provided, which particularly preferably is configured at least as a LF and/or HF communication unit.
3. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein a wake-up signal of the vehicle, preferably at least an ultra-wideband or LF or HF wake-up signal from the module unit, preferably at least the first or second communication unit, is receivable by an antenna, preferably at least by an ultra-wideband or LF or HF antenna.
4. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein the module unit comprises an electronics unit for the evaluation of received radio signals, which is connected to at least a change unit or the interface or the communication unit in such a way that a transition from a resting state to an operating state can be performed by the change unit.
5. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that during or after a transition of the module unit from a resting state to an operating state, the communication unit, preferably the first communication unit, for ultra-wideband communication, can be activated, wherein preferably a second communication unit can be activated for at least LF or HF communication both in the resting state and in the operating state.
6. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that upon receipt of a signal by a first or second communication unit, preferably of a wake-up signal, a data exchange of at least the interface with the communication device be initiated or a first communication unit can be activated.
7. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a first transceiver unit, wherein the first transceiver unit preferably is at least a Bluetooth, NFC, Infrared, GSM, LTE, UMTS, mobile radio, HF, UHF, LF, WLAN or USB interface.
8. The module unit according to claim 1, wherein the module unit is formed as a backpack for the communication device, preferably at least as a battery case lid or memory card or SD card or mobile cover or attachment or plug or accumulator and.
9. A module system with a mobile, portable communication device and a module unit for adapting the communication device to a security system of a vehicle, having an interface for the data exchange with the communication device, and at least one communication unit for the communication with the security system, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that the communication can be performed by means of a wideband communication method.
10. The module system according to claim 9, wherein an evaluation unit of the communication device is provided, so that a signal, preferably a wake-up signal, received at least through a radio connection or through the communication by means of the wideband communication method, can be evaluated by the evaluation unit.
11. The module system according to claim 9, wherein a change unit is provided, wherein in a transition from a resting state to an operating state by the change unit, an authentication process of the mobile portable communication device with the security system can be triggered, wherein preferably the authentication process takes places at least partially via the wideband communication method, preferably via an ultra-wideband communication.
12. The module system according to claim 9, wherein the communication of the communication device with the security system is effected at least with ultra-wideband, GSM, LTE, UMTS, mobile radio, NFC, HF, UHF, LF, WLAN or Bluetooth signals, and a third transceiver unit of the communication device is provided, wherein the third transceiver unit.
13. The module system according to claim 9, wherein the communication device is at least a smartphone, laptop or a mobile phone.
14. The module system according to claim 9, wherein a communication between the security system of the vehicle and the communication device via the wideband communication method can be performed by means of the module unit.
15. The module system according to claim 9, wherein the module unit is formed for adapting a mobile, portable communication device to a security system of a vehicle having an interface for data exchange with the communication device, and at least one communication unit for the communication with the security system, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that the communication can be performed by a wideband communication method.
16. A method for adapting a mobile, portable communication device to a security system of a vehicle, with a module unit which comprises an interface for the data exchange with the communication device, and comprises at least one communication unit for the communication with the security system, wherein the communication of the communication unit with the security system is performed by a wideband communication method.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the wideband communication method is an ultra-wideband communication method for nearfield communication, wherein preferably the bandwidth of the frequency ranges used for communication at least 500 MHz or at least 1000 MHz.
18. The method according to one claim 16, wherein a wake-up signal is received by a first or second communication unit, and at least the communication device or the module unit triggers an authentication process upon receipt of the wake-up signal.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the communication is performed at least partially in an encrypted manner, wherein an authentication information in at least an authentication process or a distance information to the vehicle is transmitted in an encrypted manner.
20. The method according to claim 16, wherein a distance determination is initiated upon reception of at least an ultra-wideband or HF or LF signal, whereby preferably a distance information about a distance between the module unit and the vehicle is determined, wherein preferably the distance determination is performed at least partially by means of an electronics unit at least of the module unit or by an evaluation unit of the communication device.
21. The method according to claim 16, wherein depending on a determined distance between the module unit and the vehicle, an authentication process is initiated, wherein preferably the authentication process includes a data exchange at least via LF or HF or UWB communication.
22. The method according to claim 16, wherein a time-of-flight analysis is performed by the module unit, preferably by a first communication unit, at least for the distance determination or for the determination of a distance information.
23. The method according to claim 16, wherein a distance information is transmitted from the communication unit of the module unit to a communication module of the security system in at least an encrypted or interception-proof or forgery-proof manner.
24. The method according to claim 16, at least having a module unit for adapting a mobile, portable communication device to a security system of a vehicle, having an interface for data exchange with the communication device and at least one communication unit for the communication with the security system, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that the communication can be performed by a wideband communication method or a module system with a mobile, portable communication device and a module unit for adapting the communication device to a security system of a vehicle, having an interface for the data exchange with the communication device, and at least one communication unit for the communication with the security system, wherein the module unit is configured in such a way that the communication can be performed by means of a wideband communication method.
Description
[0068] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a security system according to the invention with a module unit according to the invention as well as a communication device and a motor vehicle,
[0069] FIG. 2 another schematic view of the module unit according to the invention as well as of the communication device,
[0070] FIG. 3a a schematic representation of a module unit according to the invention for the visualization of the communication with a communication device via a radio connection,
[0071] FIG. 3b a further schematic representation of the module unit according to the invention for the visualization of the communication via a cable connection to the communication device,
[0072] FIG. 4a a schematic representation for the visualization of a module unit according to the invention in the resting state,
[0073] FIG. 4b a further representation of the module unit according to the invention for the visualization of the receipt of a wake-up signal,
[0074] FIG. 4c a further schematic representation for the visualization of the module unit according to the invention in the operating state,
[0075] FIG. 5 a schematic representation of a first embodiment variant of a module system according to the invention,
[0076] FIG. 6 a schematic representation of a second embodiment variant of a module system according to the invention,
[0077] FIG. 7 a schematic view of a third embodiment variant of a module system according to the invention,
[0078] FIG. 8 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle, of a first and a second vehicle-sided communication module,
[0079] FIG. 9 a schematic representation of parts of a module unit according to the invention, and
[0080] FIG. 10 a schematic representation for the visualization of method steps of a method according to the invention.
[0081] Identical reference characters are used for the same technical features even of different exemplary embodiments throughout the Figures.
[0082] FIG. 1 schematically shows a security system 1 according to the invention, as well as a module unit 10 according to the invention. The security system 1 comprises a communication module 1.1 at a vehicle 2. The communication module 1.1 can send signals via a radio connection 31, e.g. a wake-up signal 32. The signals, which are sent via the radio connection 31, can be received by corresponding ID transponders of the security system 1. To that end, such an ID transponder usually supports the communication technology of the security system 1, which is used for sending signals via the radio connection 31. For example, the communication technology used for the wake-up signal 32 is a UWB and/or LF radio connection. However, this comes with the disadvantage that a user must always carry a separate ID transponder, which also supports the communication technology. This is also necessary when a user already carries other communication devices 20 with them, such as a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop. These devices do usually not support the communication technology for the reception of the vehicle-sided wake-up signal 32, since they e.g. do not comprise any UWB or LF antenna and no corresponding interface or communication electronics. However, a use of these communication devices 20 as ID transponders would provide additional comfort to the user, since a separate ID transponder can be dispensed with, and the extended functionality of the communication device 20 can be used, for example in order to have vehicle data displayed on a display of the communication device 20. In order to adapt such communication devices 20 to the security system 1, the module unit 10 shown in the Figures is used in accordance with the invention. The module unit 10 is suitable to receive the signals of the vehicle-side communication module 1.1 via the radio connection 31 and, as the case may be, to provide the signals and/or the information thereof to the communication device 20 via a data exchange 30.
[0083] The radio connection 31 can refer to a LF radio connection and/or a UWB radio connection. The signals may contain information about the wake-up signal 32 and/or distance information about a distance between the vehicle 2 and the module unit 10 and/or state information about the state of the security system 1, for example, which can be displayed to the user on a display 20.3 of the communication device 20. It is also conceivable that the display 20.3 is configured as a touchscreen, and allows control of the security system 1. Alternatively, control can be possible via a keyboard 20.5 of the communication device 20, for example. It can be seen that the module unit 10 has a compact shape with the housing 10.5, and is formed to be considerably smaller than the communication device 20. Thus, it can be transported, in a bag, by the user, for example connected at the communication device 20 and/or separately from the communication device. Likewise, an arrangement e.g. (fixedly) at the vehicle 2 or separately from the communication device 20 is conceivable, wherein the data exchange 30 is then or can then be configured as a wireless connection.
[0084] FIG. 2 schematically shows further components of the module unit 10 according to the invention as well as of the communication device 20 in a partial sectional view. The signals or data sent via the vehicle-side radio connection 31, in particular a UWB connection 31, can be received by a communication device 10.13 with at least one communication unit 10.2 of the module unit 10. In addition, the module unit 10 is in data connection with the communication device 20 via an interface 10.1. To that end, a first transceiver unit 10.8 can be provided, which permits a data exchange 30 with a second transceiver unit 20.1 of the communication device 20. If now a wake-up signal 32 is received, for example, a distance determination and/or an authentication process, e.g. of the communication device 20, can be triggered. In order to send signals for authentication to the security system 1, the communication device 20 may comprise a third transceiver unit 20.2, for example. This third transceiver unit 20.2 may comprise e.g. a HF antenna for HF radio connection with the security system 1, or be suitable for a connection via a communication technology such as GSM, LTE, WLAN, UMTS, UWB, Bluetooth, NFC, or another mobile radio connection.
[0085] FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically show the structure of a module unit 10 according to the invention in a schematic sectional view. The dashed line indicates the functional and/or electronic connection of the components amongst one another. The electronic connection can be effected directly or indirectly via conductor tracks, for example. It is also conceivable that individual, discrete components are not necessary, but instead the same function is made possible by, for example, microprocessors or the electronic components. In this case, the module unit 10 comprises a communication device 10.13 with a communication unit 10.2, e.g. a first communication unit 10.2a, in particular a UWB communication unit, and/or a second communication unit 10.2b which may each include one antenna 10.3, e.g. a UWB and/or LF antenna. The communication device 10.13 can receive signals, which are sent via the radio connection 31. These signals can subsequently be forwarded to an electronics unit 10.4 and/or a change unit 10.12. The electronics unit 10.4 and/or the change unit 10.12 is capable of evaluating these signals and/or the information of these signals and of transmitting them in the same or altered form to further components of the module unit 10. To that end, the electronics unit 10.4 and/or the change unit 10.12 is electrically or functionally connected to the interface 10.1. The interface 10.1 comprises e.g. a first transceiver unit 10.8, in order to communicate with the communication device 20. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a data storage 10.10, a monitoring unit 10.11 as well as an energy store 10.9 are provided, which are electronically or functionally connected to the electronics unit 10.4 and/or change unit 10.12. The data storage 10.10 can, for example, contain a program sequence, which is provided to the communication device 20, e.g. via the data exchange 30. The program sequence may subsequently be stored in a storage (not shown) of an evaluation unit 20.6 and be executed by the evaluation unit 20.6. The program sequence can remain stored permanently in the storage of the evaluation unit 20.6 or of the communication device 20 after having been transmitted from the communication device 20 here. In this case, a non-volatile memory is concerned, for example, such as a SD card. The energy store 10.9 can serve for the energy supply of the module unit 10, or also for the energy supply of the communication device 20. The exchange of energy between the communication device 20 and the module unit 10 can, for example, take place through the connection between the first transceiver unit 10.8 and the second transceiver unit 20.1 of the communication device 20. Likewise, it is possible that the energy store 10.9 is charged with energy of the communication device 20 through the said connection. To that end, the monitoring unit 10.11 can monitor the charging state of the energy store 10.9 or also the energy supply of the module unit 20 and, as the case may be, connect the energy store 10.9, which can be a back-up energy store.
[0086] Via the radio connection 31, a wake-up signal 32 of the security system 1 can be received by the communication device 10.13, e.g. the first communication unit 10.2a and/or the second communication unit 10.2b. This wake-up signal 32 serves for triggering (initiating) an authentication process and/or activation of the first communication unit 10.2a and/or a distance determination. It can also be reasonable that the module unit 10 assumes different states I, since an authentication process must be initiated only upon receipt of the wake-up signal 32. Thus, it can be provided that the interface is in the energy-saving mode in a resting state la of the module unit 10 and, upon reception of a wake-up signal 32, the module unit 10 changes to an operating state lb. In the operating state lb, a data exchange 30 with the communication device 20 can be triggered by the electronics unit 10.4 and/or the change unit 10.12, wherein an increased energy demand of the interface 10.1 becomes necessary.
[0087] FIG. 3a shows that the data exchange 30 can take place via a radio connection, for example, wherein in this case, the first transceiver unit 10.8 as well as the second transceiver unit 20.1 comprises antennas, for example, and support a communication technology such as UWB or Bluetooth, for example. Likewise, it can be provided in accordance with FIG. 3b that the data exchange 30 between the first transceiver unit 10.8 and the second transceiver unit 20.1 is effected in a wired manner. Thus, FIG. 3b schematically shows a cable 10.7.
[0088] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c schematically show the communication between the vehicle-onboard communication module 1.1, the module unit 10 and the communication device 20. The module unit 10 and/or the communication device 20 is in a resting state in FIG. 4a here. The communication module 1.1, in particular a HF and/or LF and/or UWB communication module 1.1. is located at the external side of the vehicle 2, for example, in particular on an outer door handle, but does not emit a signal. Likewise, it is possible that the illustrated communication module 1.1 actually emits a radio signal, but that either this signal does not comprise a wake-up signal 32 or the module unit 10 is situated outside the range of the radio connection 31.
[0089] Once the radio signal or the wake-up signal 32 can be received via the radio connection 31 by the module unit 10, as shown in FIG. 4b, corresponding information can be sent to the communication device 20 via the data exchange 30. The sending of the radio signals or the wake-up signal 32 via the radio connection 31 can be detected, for example, by a determined approach of a user to the vehicle 2 using a proximity sensor, which in particular is arranged in the external door handle.
[0090] Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4c, the authentication process and/or the distance determination is initiated. The wake-up signal 32 (or the corresponding information), which, as illustrated in FIG. 4b, has been received via the radio connection 31 by the module unit 10, can now be forwarded via the data exchange 30 to the communication device 20. Preferably, after an evaluation of the wake-up signal 32, the communication device 20 starts sending a reply signal to the security system 1 of the vehicle 2 via the communication connection 33. The communication connection 33 is, for example, a radio connection in particular via mobile radio, Bluetooth or NFC or UWB. The reply signal can contain a code, for example, which is evaluated for identification verification by the security system 1, e.g. a vehicle-sided electronics. Upon receipt of the correct authentication code and in particular a prior distance determination, in which the distance determined hereby must not exceed a maximum distance between module uni 10 and vehicle 2, the security system 1 can open, for example, a closing device, in particular a central locking system, in order that access to the vehicle 2 is possible.
[0091] FIG. 5 shows a module system 3 according to the invention, which includes the module unit 10 as well as the communication device 20. In order that a user can use the communication device 20 as an ID transponder for the security system 1, i.e. for an adaption of the communication device 20 to the security system 1, a data connection of the communication device 20 with the module unit 10 is required. In order to nevertheless enable a comfortable and practical transport of the communication device, FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment variant. In this case, the module unit 10 can be configured in such a way that it adapts in shape and size to the communication device 20. In addition, it can be connected, via a plug connection 10.6, to a plug connector 20.4 of the communication device 20 in a reversibly releasable manner. This connection for data exchange 30 can be, for example, a USB connection or a connection technology predetermined by the communication device 20.
[0092] FIG. 6 schematically shows a second embodiment variant, in order to connect a module unit 10 according to the invention with the communication device 20 (possibly wireless). In this case, the module unit 10 is configured as a phone covering or receptacle for the communication device 20, in particular as a backpack. Since many users use a corresponding cover or storage for communication devices 20, such as mobile phones or smartphones, the corresponding configuration of the module unit 10 is particularly practical and multifunctional for the user. In the case that the communication device 20 is situated in the module unit 10, operation of the display 20.3 can nevertheless be possible by a recess (not illustrated) of the module unit 10. Through the use of transparent materials for the module unit 10, the observing or operating the display 20.3 is still possible. However, such measures for the operation of the communication device 20 are not necessarily required. Since active operation of the ID transponder by the user is not necessary in Passive Keyless-Entry systems, the authentication process is automatically initiated by the module unit 10 or by the communication device 20 upon reception of the wake-up signal 32. Thus, the user may leave the communication device 20 within the module unit 10, and nevertheless cause e.g. an opening of the doors of the vehicle 2 when approaching the security system 1.
[0093] The module unit 10 can be connected to the communication device 20 for data exchange 30 via a radio connection, for example, such as Bluetooth or NFC to ensure a smooth handling.
[0094] A third embodiment variant of the module unit 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 7. A rear view of the module system 3 or the communication device 20 according to the invention is shown schematically here. In this case, the module unit 10 is e.g. configured as an accumulator or energy store for the communication device 20. Thus, it can be provided that the energy store 10.9 of the module unit 10 accordingly causes an energy supply of the communication device 20. The configuration of the module unit 10 as an energy store for the communication device 20 provides the advantage that an arrangement of the module unit 10 can be effected in a very space-saving manner, without affecting the appearance of the communication device 20. It is also conceivable that the module unit 10 is configured as a battery lid, SD card or the like for the communication device 20. In the embodiment variant of the module unit 10 according to the invention, in FIG. 7, this module unit is configured as a backpack for the communication device 20. Thus, the module unit 10 is integrated in or on the communication device 20. In this case, the above-mentioned coupling means can, in particular, serve for the mechanical fastening of the module unit to the communication device.
[0095] FIG. 8 schematically shows a motor vehicle 2, which comprises at least two communication modules 1.1. Here, a first communication module 1.1a is arranged in the interior of the vehicle, and a second communications module 1.1b is arranged on the exterior of the vehicle. This can effect that a first communication module 1.1a only emits radio signals to the outside of the vehicle 2 and at least a second communication module 1.1b emits radio signals to the inside of the vehicle 2. Since the radio signals are strongly weakened in the interior of the vehicle by the vehicle body, a locating of the ID transponder or of the module unit 10 and of the communication device 20 is possible, for example. This function is of particular interest if the module system 3 according to the invention practically also serves as an ignition key and/or as a key for the immobilizer for the vehicle 2. Here, both the first communication module 1.1a and the second communication module 1.1b can preferably support an UWB communication technology.
[0096] FIG. 9 shows a communication device 10.13 of a module unit 10 according to the invention, wherein two different communication units 10.2 are illustrated. A first communication unit 10.2a comprises an UWB-interface for Ultra-wideband communication, wherein a second communication unit 10.2b includes a HF or LF interface for HF or LF communication. Furthermore, a first (UWB) antenna 10.3a of the first communication unit 10.2a and a second (HF or LF) antenna 10.3b of the second communication unit 10.2b is provided, which are at least partially arranged within the module unit 10. Furthermore, other communication units 10.2 (not illustrated) can be provided as well. All communication units 10.2 can be electrically connected to an electronics unit 10.4 for the evaluation of the signals received through the communication.
[0097] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the method steps of a method according to the invention. In a first method step 101, the wake-up signal 32 is emitted by the security system 1. This is followed by a second method step 102, wherein the wake-up signal 32 is received by the communication unit 10.2. Thereupon, after having received the wake-up signal 32, an authentication process and/or a distance determination is triggered in the third method step 103.
[0098] The above description of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by means of examples. However, individual features of the embodiments, as long as technically reasonable, can be freely combined with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0099] 1 security system [0100] 1.1 communication module [0101] 1.1a first communication module [0102] 1.1b second communication module [0103] 2 vehicle [0104] 3 module system [0105] 10 module unit [0106] 10.1 interface [0107] 10.2 communication unit [0108] 10.2a first communication unit, UWB communication unit [0109] 10.2b second communication unit, LF communication unit [0110] 10.3 antenna [0111] 10.3a first antenna [0112] 10.3b second antenna [0113] 10.4 electronics unit [0114] 10.5 housing [0115] 10.6 plug connection [0116] 10.7 cable [0117] 10.8 first transceiver unit [0118] 10.9 energy store [0119] 10.10 data storage [0120] 10.11 monitoring unit [0121] 10.12 change unit [0122] 10.13 communication device [0123] 20 communication device [0124] 20.1 second transceiver unit [0125] 20.2 third transceiver unit [0126] 20.3 display [0127] 20.4 plug connection [0128] 20.5 keyboard [0129] 20.6 evaluation unit [0130] 30 data exchange [0131] 31 radio connection [0132] 32 wake-up signal [0133] 33 communication connection [0134] 101 method step: Emitting, by the security system, the wake-up signal [0135] 102 method step: Receiving, by the communication unit, the wake-up signal [0136] 103 method step: Triggering of an authentication process [0137] I state of the module unit [0138] la resting state of the module unit [0139] lb operating state of the module unit
