DE102005020668A1 - Process and locking system to check the validity of keys used to operate automotive locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

In a process to monitor the condition of an automotive locking system, the system registers the sounds generated on operation of a lock. The sound is compared with that of a pre-registered and recorded sound. The system then emits a check signal value depending upon the degree of signal match and presents the result via a display. Also claimed is a commensurate locking system.

Description

The Invention relates to a method for condition control of a locking system, in particular a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus for performing a such process.

locking systems on motor vehicles, such as central locking, in which the vehicle doors be closed by a mechanical, motor moving arrangement, are an indispensable part of a modern vehicle equipment. It leads a user at a single door lock from a closing, thereby the locking mechanism on all other doors of the motor vehicle is activated. This avoids that a motor vehicle door or the trunk accidentally unlocked and the motor vehicle remains unsecured.

a increased In this context, comfort can be activated wirelessly and contactlessly remote-controlled locking systems. In such systems is located inside the by the user entrained vehicle key a transmitting device, the push of a button a closing pulse emits to a receiver arranged in the motor vehicle. The transmission pulse may be, for example, an infrared or RF pulse. The through the recipient registered closing pulse is connected to the locking system, in particular to the individual actuators, forwarded, whereupon the vehicle doors are closed. In such a locking system that does not apply sometimes annoying, time-consuming and often difficult to plug in the dark of the key in a door lock.

In practice shows that such wire and contactless locking systems often unconsciously and quasi-operated. The user puts his motor vehicle from actuated the corresponding button on the car key and moves away from his vehicle. The closing process is no longer conscious registered, which later The user is often unclear about whether he is his vehicle really finished. This causes the user either annoying inspection rounds To run or, if this is not possible for a variety of reasons, the agonizing ones Ask if he really closed his car safely Has. The same applies to those mentioned for the vehicle sector Disadvantages also with all other locking systems in building doors, however also in windows, various access hatches and the like closable openings or inputs and outputs.

It Thus, the object of the invention, a method or a Specify device with which the uncertainty in the operation of the locking systems in a simple, safe and cost effective way.

The The object is achieved by a method having the features of the claim 1 solved, the dependent claims appropriate or advantageous embodiments and embodiments include.

This is according to the invention Procedure by a closing control in the form of an acoustic registration of a locking noise in Connection with an output of a state signal in dependence marked by the registered locking sound. This forms characteristic in the context of a closing process generated and registered noise the objective criterion for one actually executed Closing process. Such a procedure is independent from the concrete mechanical design of the locking system used.

The process is characterized by at least the following appropriate process steps:
In a first step, a locking sound of the locking system is registered. In a subsequent step, a noise characteristic of the registered locking noise is compared with a stored noise profile. In a further step, a degree of agreement between the noise characteristic of the registered locking noise and the stored noise profile is determined. Depending on the size of the degree of agreement, a control signal value is output. Finally, a status signal is displayed depending on the output control signal value.

The The method therefore aims to detect the closing noise associated with a closing the locking system connected is. It thus becomes the acoustic perception of the closing process, i.e. the listening the snapping or latching of the locking mechanism within the Doors of the Vehicle, replaced by an automated process, the Set the user the closing process or the state of the locking system. The user can use the displayed status signal at any time the state of the locking system check. The acoustic detection ensures also a fitting or a run the control procedure without the locking system in any way to change or to have to prepare. It is therefore in principle for all possible locking systems indisputably suitable and executable.

The Registering the locking sound and the Compare the noise characteristics of the closing noise closes in one advantageous embodiment an adaptive one Adaptation to temporally or type-dependent changing noise profiles in the context of a trainable Noise detection on.

A such approach takes into account an aging or wear-related changes in the closing noise and also allows an adaptation of the method to basically any different locking with correspondingly different locking sounds. The procedure is accordingly not just a locking system type or a certain age of the locking system, but tailored can be type-spanning and independent from the age of the locking system or the environmental conditions universally used and adapted become.

The trainable Adaptation is in an expedient embodiment of the method by repeatedly replacing the stored noise profile executed. In this case, after the determination of the degree of agreement, the stored noise profile by the registered noise characteristic replaced while updating the stored noise profile.

in this connection is based on the basic assumption that the closing noise between two compared to the total lifetime of the locking system shortly after each other Closing processes not fundamentally changes, so that the locking sounds more or less consecutive closing operations substantially identical are. The changes in the closing noise that occur over time play this essentially does not matter, so the noise detection keeps pace with the normal aging process of the locking system. Of the Replacement process is over in addition to a first initializing closing process significant. Here is the initial existing, in this Isolated case blank, noise profile through the for the actual locking system typical noise characteristics replaced and a new noise profile created, which is tailored to this concrete locking system.

Of the previously mentioned Control signal value is in an advantageous embodiment of the method wirelessly to an external and mobile display unit to display the Condition signal in dependence transmitted from the control signal value and saved.

These Design allows it, any time and at any distance from the locking system Condition, in particular their closure, on the mobile and consequently entrained Display unit to check, where the mentioned annoying inspection completely eliminated can.

The mentioned closing control is e.g. in a closing process activated and deactivated during a disassembly process or automatically timed and reset. This prevents a lock-up sound of the locking system from being erroneously called a closing noise registered becomes. Accordingly, when resetting the closing control the values of the degree of agreement and the control signal value or the state signal is reset.

A Device for execution of the said method has one in the immediate vicinity of the locking system arranged sound detection unit in conjunction with a noise profile memory and a comparative and Processing unit and a control unit with output means for the Condition signal, in particular acoustic and / or optical signal transmitter, on.

In an advantageous embodiment the comparison and processing unit is a transmitter and the Control unit a receiver for one wireless transmission associated with the control signal value. This allows the control unit as an external device carried by the user be.

Advantageous is the control unit as part of a key, in particular a vehicle key, and / or one to a keychain trained to be attached key fob.

The Method and the device will be described below with reference to an embodiment be explained in more detail.

To clarify serve, the 1 to 3 , The same reference numbers are used for identical or equivalent method steps or parts.

It shows:

1 an exemplary flowchart of the method according to the invention,

2 an exemplary block diagram of an apparatus for carrying out the method,

3 an exemplary installation of a closing control system within a vehicle door in combination with a modified vehicle key.

1 shows an exemplary flowchart of the method according to the invention.

Usually, the locking system is operated after the closing or throwing the vehicle doors. The closing 5 one or more vehicle doors thus leads to activation 6 of the device components. The activation process can be done in various ways. In a first exemplary embodiment, the switch positions of the switches arranged in the region of the doors for the interior lighting of the passenger compartment are evaluated to start the activation process. The procedure starts in this case when it emerges from the switch position of at least one door that this door has been opened once when the vehicle is stopped and once closed. In this case, it can be assumed that at least one person has opened a vehicle door, left the vehicle and slammed the door. From this point on, an internal time countdown is activated, whereby within a fixed time limit, an actuation of the locking system is awaited. After expiration of the time limit, which may be, for example, thirty to sixty seconds, a query is made 7 , whether the set time limit has been exceeded, or within the time limit, the locking system is not operated, or a corresponding noise has not been registered. If this is the case, the control signal value is automatically set to a value corresponding to an unlocked door or a non-actuated locking system, and an alarm signal is output. Alternatively, of course, the locking system can be activated automatically and the vehicle can be closed, with a signal is output via this automatic closing process.

If the time limit is not exceeded when the closing process occurs, the method proceeds to the step of recording a noise 10 further. The noise pick-up consists in detecting a sound signal with a coarsely limited frequency range in conjunction with a predetermined sound level range. This pre-selection is useful to avoid misregistration by ambient noise.

The noise generated when the locking system is triggered has a characteristic temporal level profile or a characteristic frequency spectrum. Level profile and frequency spectrum form the noise characteristic of the locking system. Both sizes are for the subsequent comparison step 20 suitable. In the comparison step 20 the noise characteristic of the locking system is compared with a given noise profile. In the simplest case, the temporal level profile of the noise is compared pointwise with a stored level profile. The comparison consists in the simplest case in a pointwise subtraction of both level curves and in a pointwise evaluation of the strength of the remaining signal after subtraction signal remainder. In a manner equivalent thereto, the frequency spectrum of the registered noise can be compared with the frequency spectrum of the stored noise profile.

As a result of the comparison process is in one step 30 determines a degree of coincidence between the registered noise characteristic and the stored noise profile. In the case of the mentioned simple subtraction, the size of the remainder of the signal remaining after the subtraction can be used as the degree of matching. For this purpose, a smoothing or filtering of the signal remainder expediently takes place in order to generate the simplest possible and unique numerical value. In the simplest case, the degree of agreement is determined by determining in a yes / no decision whether the level of the signal remainder lies below or above a certain suitably selected barrier. If it is above the barrier, a degree of agreement is output which indicates an insufficient match between the noise characteristic and the noise profile. At a level below the barrier level of the signal remainder, which is ideally identical to zero, the degree of agreement indicates a sufficient agreement between the noise characteristic and the noise profile.

The magnitude of the level the signal remainder, reduced by the appropriate fixed barrier can in the simplest case, directly as a numerical value for the degree of agreement be issued. In case of an insufficient match is in this Case the numerical value is different from zero, at a sufficient good match the numerical value zero is output. It is understood that defines further barriers or other comparison methods, or accomplished can be. This makes it possible in particular certain suddenly occurring malfunction of the locking system in a simple manner to diagnose and signal to the user that the locking system Although pressed but a malfunction is either the proper work the locking system prevents or precautionary examination of the locking system accomplished must become.

Depending on the size of the determined degree of agreement, the process flow branches off at one step 31 immediately before the issue 40 a control signal value. The control signal value is generated as a function of the determined degree of agreement and signals the ascertained variable in as simple a form as possible the degree of agreement. In the case described above, the binary value "zero" or "different from zero" can be directly output as a control signal value. In embodiments in which the comparison between the registered noise characteristic and the stored noise profile occurs in a more differentiated manner, particularly in cases where individual portions of the noise characteristic and the noise profile are compared, the output control signal value includes an error or diagnostic code. For example, the registered noise characteristic can be tested for a final locking of the locking system. In this case, the registered noise is checked in sections for coincidence, wherein, for example, a degree of agreement is separately determined for a first portion and an end portion and the output control signal value is composed of a code or a two-digit string, the first character representing the control signal value for the first portion and the second character indicates the control signal value for the second portion of the registered sound. In any case, the output control signal value has at least either the attribute "correct" or the attribute "incorrect".

Depending on the attribute of the control signal value, the in 1 Process profile shown by way of example in a sub-process 41 in which a control signal value with the attribute "incorrect" and sub-process 42 in which a control signal value is output with the attribute "correct." The control signal value then becomes in one step 45 transmitted to an external control unit, in particular wirelessly transmitted. This is done either in one step 46 the control signal value with the attribute "correct" or in one step 47 the control signal value is transmitted with the attribute "incorrect".

The attribute of the control signal value is sent to the control unit in the form of a status signal 50 output. If the attribute of the control signal value is "correct", a status signal is output 51 This may, for example, be an optical display in the form of a suitably colored LED or a special signal tone 52 at an attribute "incorrect" output of the control signal value, which signals the user an "ALARM". This is possible in particular by a conspicuous signal tone, vibration or conspicuous light signals.

This in 1 The flowchart shown additionally has a method section 60 in which a stored noise profile is replaced. The procedural section 60 In any case, this is activated when the method is executed for the first time. In this case, an initially empty noise profile is overwritten by the first-time registered noise characteristic of the locking system and the process is thus calibrated to the actual locking system present.

Furthermore, the replacement will be 60 at specified intervals, in particular after a predetermined number of closing operations, but also executed after repairs or maintenance of the locking system, with changes in noise characteristics due to aging, wear or new locking system components can be considered.

Repeated replacement 60 is according to 1 executed by, after the sub-process 42 , ie after the output of the control signal value with the attribute "correct" and thus after a positive match between newly registered noise characteristic and old noise profile in one process step 61 the new noise characteristic is loaded into the memory of the noise profile and overwrites the old noise profile there. As a result of overwriting, there is now a new noise profile in the memory 62 before, which is available for subsequent processes of the method.

2 shows an exemplary block diagram of an arrangement for carrying out the method. A sound detection unit 70 , For example, a sound sensor, receives locking noise from a locking system 75 , The sound detection unit 70 and a sound profile memory 80 together form a noise module 85 that performs the noise detection according to the aforementioned method steps. The noise module 85 is within a comparison and processing unit 90 arranged. Furthermore, one of the comparison and processing unit 90 device-separate control unit 100 provided, the signals from a transmitter arranged within the comparison and processing unit 110 receives. The transmitter 110 transmits the aforementioned control signal values to one within the control unit 100 arranged receiver 115 ,

Within the control unit is still a memory 116 arranged, each of which stores the last state of the receiving control signal value. There is also an ad 117 provided within the control unit, depending on the in the memory 116 contained control signal value according to the aforementioned method via a light signal or via an acoustic output or in a comparable manner outputs a corresponding OK or ALARM signal to the user. Conveniently, the control unit is mobile and includes an internal power source for operating the receiver, the memory and the on show.

3 shows by way of example a device integrated into the body of a vehicle door F 2 to perform the procedure 1 , The locking system 75 the vehicle door corresponds to the prior art and includes a manually operated closing lever 118 , an electromechanical drive unit 119 , In particular a motor drive or an electromagnetic actuator and one or more locks 121 , which engage in not shown here recesses of the door frame. As is known, the closing lever moves when the closing operation is performed 118 under the influence of the drive unit 119 down while at the same time the latches 121 getting closed. Depending on the specific embodiment of the locking system, a characteristic noise is generated by the individual components of the locking system. In the area of the closing lever and the drive unit, this is, for example, a grinding, buzzing or loud snapping noise, while the locks 121 For example, create clicking or characteristic clicks. Each of these sounds can be used to control the closing condition.

In 3 is the sound detection unit 70 in the form of a sound sensor in the vicinity of the drive unit 119 arranged. The distance between the drive unit and the sound sensor is arbitrary. Particularly useful in terms of avoiding external noise is a seated directly on the drive unit sound sensor. At the in 3 As shown, the sound sensor is located at a certain distance from the locking system 75 and absorbs the entire noise of all components of the system. As for 1 already mentioned, this is a functional check of all components of the locking system 75 in principle possible.

The sound profile memory 80 is housed in a box, with both the sound sensor and the transmitter 110 can be located outside the box and wired to the box. The power supply of the box is expediently via the vehicle electrical system. But it can also be battery-powered and thus self-sufficient. The transmitter 110 can be designed in principle for all available wireless communication frequencies. In particular, infrared, radio waves or microwave transmitters come into consideration here. The transmitter is expediently positioned in such a way that the vehicle bodywork has no or a not very strong shielding influence on the signal propagation. Conveniently, therefore, the transmitter is located in the vicinity of a vehicle window, on the inside of non-metallic vehicle parts, in particular bumpers and bumper covers, or may also be mounted externally as part of the antenna system of the vehicle. If possible, the components can 70 . 80 and 100 be housed in a single box. Conveniently, there is a device in each vehicle door 3 , However, an arrangement is also possible in which only one sound sensor is located in each vehicle door and the noises recorded by the sound sensors are transmitted to a central unit. Finally, an arrangement is possible in which the components 70 . 80 and 100 are arranged in a box in the interior of the passenger compartment, wherein the sound sensor registers the audible in the passenger compartment locking sound.

In the lower part of 3 is a mobile control unit 100 in the form of a modified vehicle key 120 shown. The recipient 115 the control unit is executed in this embodiment as the key bit of the vehicle key. In the body of the key grip are the memory 117 as well as the ad 116 integrated. In the example off 3 is the ad 116 from an LED and an acoustic signal generator, wherein the acoustic signal transmitter outputs the status signal "ALARM" and the LED the status signal "OK". The memory 117 allows a constant polling of the status signal until the receiver 115 from the transmitter 110 receives a reset signal that is output when the vehicle door is opened.

Farther is in the key grip a subject for a not shown here battery supply in the form of a commercial Button cell provided.

Of course, instead of the key, the mobile control unit may also be designed as a key fob or as a means to be fastened to the clothing. An embodiment of the mobile control unit as part of an application for mobile telecommunications terminals, in particular mobile phones, is within the scope of a Bluetooth communication protocol between the transmitter 110 , Receiver 115 and a corresponding display software for the display or the internal acoustic signal transmitter of the mobile phone is also possible and thus provides an advantageous further field of application for such mobile terminals.

In an autonomous installation of the device according to the invention, in which no direct power supply side connection to the electrical system or existing control transmitter is provided, the activation can be done, for example, that an infrared sensor is provided which detects whether the driver or other people in the vehicle are present. There is also the possibility of the Vorrich to activate by a switching device is present, for example, reacts to the slamming of a motor vehicle door and the device in operation or transferred to the stand-by mode.

The Method and apparatus were based on embodiments explained. It should be emphasized that further appropriate and professional action through professional action made beneficial additions can be without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments result in particular from the dependent claims.

6

Activate of the device components

7

query Timeout

10

foley recordist

20

comparison Noise characteristic / noise profile

30

Determine the degree of agreement

31

Query: degree of agreement sufficient?

40

output Control signal value

41

Control signal value Attribute "incorrect"

42

Control signal value Attribute "correct"

45

Transfer the control signal value

46

Transfer the control signal value "correct"

47

Transfer the control signal value "incorrect"

50

output state signal

51

Status signal "OK"

52

Status signal "ALARM"

60

Replace the noise profile

61

Overwrite

62

new noise profile

70

Sound detecting device

75

locking

80

Noise profile memory

85

sound module

90

comparison and processing unit

100

control unit

110

transmitter

115

receiver

116

Storage

117

display

118

closing lever

119

drive unit

120

car keys

121

lock

122

Claims (9)

Method for checking the condition of a locking system, in particular a motor vehicle locking system, characterized by a closing check in the form of an acoustic registration of a locking noise in Connection with an output of a state signal in dependence from the registered closing sound. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing control is carried out with at least the following steps: - register the closing noise ( 10 ) of the locking system, - comparison ( 20 ) a noise characteristic of the registered locking noise with a stored noise profile, - determining a degree of agreement ( 30 ) between the noise characteristic of the registered locking sound and the stored noise profile, output ( 40 ) of a control signal value as a function of the size of the degree of agreement, 50 ) of the state signal in response to the control signal value. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the adaptive adaptation by a repeated replacement ( 60 ) of the stored noise profile is executed, wherein after determining the degree of agreement, the stored noise profile is replaced by the registered noise characteristic and thereby the stored noise profile is updated. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the control signal value ( 50 ) is transmitted to an external and preferably mobile display unit for displaying the status signal in dependence on the control signal value. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that during a closing process the closing control is activated and in a Aufschließvorgang the closing control disabled and reset becomes. Device for carrying out a method according to Claims 1 to 6, characterized by a sound detection unit (in the immediate vicinity of the locking system) ( 70 ) in conjunction with a sound profile memory ( 80 ) and a comparison and processing unit ( 90 ) and a control unit ( 100 ) with output means, in particular acoustic and / or optical signal transmitters, for the status signal. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by one of the comparison and processing unit ( 90 ) associated transmitter ( 110 ) and the control unit ( 100 ) associated receiver ( 115 ) for wireless transmission of the control signal value. Device according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the control unit ( 100 ) when Part of a key, in particular a vehicle key ( 120 ), and / or a keyfob to be fastened to a keychain. Device according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the control unit ( 100 ) in the form of a mobile communication terminal, in particular a mobile telephone, with a Bluetooth communication channel between transmitters ( 110 ) and mobile communication terminal is formed.