DE102016003129A1 - Remote control device and method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote control device (1) for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle (2) with a mobile unit (1.1), comprising a housing (1.1.1) and a communication unit (1.1.2) arranged in the housing (1.1.1) Communication with the vehicle (2). According to the invention, at least one motion sensor (1.1.5) additionally arranged in the housing (1.1.1) for detecting a movement of the mobile unit (1.1) and at least one timer (1.1.6) are provided, wherein
- The mobile unit (1.1) changes to a sleep mode in which the communication unit (1.1.2) is deactivated when the at least one motion sensor (1.1.5) detects a motionlessness of the mobile unit (1.1) and one of at least one timer ( 1.1.6) specified time has expired.
The invention further relates to a method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle (2) with a remote control device (1) according to the invention, wherein the communication unit (1.1.2) is deactivated if by means of the at least one motion sensor (1.1.5) a motionlessness of the mobile unit (1.1) is detected and a time specified by the at least one timer (1.1.6) expired.

Description

The invention relates to a remote control device for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle with such a remote control device.

Remote control devices for vehicles for controlling various vehicle functions are well known, wherein the remote control device is integrated, for example, in a vehicle key. Such remote control devices are used for so-called keyless entry systems of a vehicle, so-called keyless-go systems. By means of such a remote control device can thus be controlled vehicle functions of a keyless vehicle access system and a keyless driving authorization system of the vehicle.

From the prior art, such as in DE 10 2013 010 322 A1 described, an identification transmitter of a locking system of a vehicle is known, which comprises a plurality of antenna units. The antenna units are at least in a standby mode connected in series and connected to a common receiver unit or cyclically and temporally successively connected to the common receiver unit.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a comparison with the prior art improved remote control device for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle. The invention is further based on the object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle.

With regard to the remote control device, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 1. With regard to the method, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A remote control device for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle comprises a mobile unit having a housing and a communication unit arranged in the housing for communication with the vehicle.

In particular, the mobile unit is a remote control for a keyless conditional access system and a keyless-go system of the vehicle. Ie. the mobile unit allows the user of the vehicle to authenticate access to the vehicle by unlocking one or more vehicle doors and also keylessly starting a drive motor of the vehicle by means of the communication unit, for example by means of a start button in the vehicle. The controllable vehicle function thus includes unlocking one or more vehicle doors and starting the drive motor.

According to the invention, at least one motion sensor for detecting a movement of the mobile unit and at least one timer are additionally arranged in the housing, wherein the mobile unit changes into a sleep mode in which the communication unit is deactivated, if the at least one motion sensor detects an immobility of the mobile Unit detected and expired by at least one timer period of time has expired.

By means of the remote control device designed in this way, a security of the keyless entry and driving authorization systems of the vehicle, that is to say the keyless go systems, is advantageously improved compared to the prior art. When the mobile unit enters the sleep mode, the communication unit does not transmit and receive signals, so that a connection between the vehicle and the remote control device is interrupted. Thus, the remote control device against so-called relay attacks and thus against misuse of the communication between the vehicle and remote control device can be largely protected. A risk of theft for the vehicle is thus significantly reduced.

Preferably, a sensitivity of the motion sensor and a time specified by the timer are sufficiently low, so that only significant movements are detected and a period of sleep mode is correspondingly long. The following applies: the less sensitive the motion sensor and the longer the rest periods of the mobile unit, the more secure the remote control device is protected against misuse. A reduced sensitivity does not limit comfort in the normal use case for the user of the vehicle while not because z. B. the opening of the vehicle usually goes out of a motion, for example when approaching the vehicle.

If a movement is detected by means of the at least one motion sensor, the mobile unit changes to an active mode in which the communication unit is activated. The communication unit is thus activated only when the mobile unit is moved. This is Usually the case when the user of the vehicle, in which the mobile unit is conveniently located, to the vehicle or moves away from it. The duration of an active mode of the mobile unit is thus shortened compared to the prior art.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the remote control device further comprises an evaluation unit which is coupled to the at least one motion sensor, the at least one timer and the communication unit, wherein the communication unit can be activated or deactivated by means of the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit evaluates the signals transmitted by the at least one motion sensor and at least one timer and activates or deactivates the communication unit as a function of data of the at least one motion sensor and the at least one timer.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit is used to evaluate communication signals that are sent to or received from the vehicle. The evaluation unit is also a control unit, by means of which the vehicle functions of the vehicle are controllable. Preferably, the evaluation unit is received in the housing and thus part of the mobile unit. Particularly preferably, the evaluation unit is integrated in the communication unit. Alternatively, the evaluation unit can also be arranged separately from the communication unit in the housing of the mobile unit.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the communication unit for transmitting and receiving communication signals comprises at least one antenna unit. For example, an HF antenna (HF = High Frequency) is provided by means of which higher-frequency signals can be emitted and / or received. Higher frequency signals, eg. B. with a frequency range of greater than 300 MHz, serve in particular a data communication between the communication unit and a transmitting and receiving module of the vehicle. In addition, a further antenna unit may be provided, for. As a low-frequency antenna or LF antenna (LF = Low Frequency), by means of which low-frequency signals, z. B. with a frequency range of less than up to 200 kHz, are receivable. The low-frequency signals serve to wake, d. H. activating and locating the mobile unit. However, this is only possible if the mobile unit is moved or moved. It is also possible to provide only one antenna unit, by means of which both the low-frequency and the higher-frequency signals can be emitted and / or received.

The transmission and reception of communication signals is possible by means of a connection between the at least one antenna unit and a vehicle-side transmitting and receiving module, said connection can only be made when the mobile unit is at a predetermined distance from the vehicle. Preferably, this distance is sufficiently low, so that the security of the remote control device remains ensured. The at least one antenna unit can be activated or deactivated in dependence on a detected movement of the mobile unit by means of the evaluation unit.

For electrical power supply of the mobile unit at least one energy storage is provided, for. B. a battery designed as a button cell. The fact that the mobile unit changes to an active mode only during a detected movement, a power consumption of the remote control device over the prior art is reduced and a lifetime of the energy storage increases.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile unit is integrated in a vehicle key. Alternatively, the mobile unit is integrated in a key fob or in a mobile phone.

Furthermore, a method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle with a remote control device according to the invention is provided, wherein the communication unit is deactivated and as a result the mobile unit is switched to a sleep mode if no movement of the mobile unit is detected by the at least one motion sensor and one of the at least a timer predetermined period of time has expired.

The method serves to protect keyless entry authorization systems and drive authorization systems of vehicles, in particular for protection against so-called relay attacks (also known as "relay station attacks").

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

Showing:

1 a block diagram of a remote control device for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle.

The only 1 shows a block diagram of a remote control device 1 for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle 2 ,

The remote control device 1 is part of a keyless entry authorization system and vehicle driving authorization system 2 , Ie. the remote control device 1 granted to a user of the vehicle 2 access to the vehicle 2 by unlocking one or more vehicle doors and advantageously also keyless starting a drive motor of the vehicle 2 , for example by means of a start button in the vehicle 2 , also known as start-stop button. Such systems are also known as keyless-go systems.

According to the present embodiment, the remote control device 1 a mobile unit 1.1 on which, for example, in a vehicle key or in another mobile device, eg. B. a mobile phone is integrated. The mobile unit 1.1 includes a housing 1.1.1 in which at least one communication unit 1.1.2 for communication with the vehicle 2 and is arranged to control the vehicle functions.

The communication unit 1.1.2 includes a number of antenna units 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 where z. B. a receiving antenna unit 1.1.2.1 is designed to receive a low-frequency wake-up signal, which is one in the vehicle 2 arranged transceiver module 2.1 is radiant. A transmitting antenna unit 1.1.2.2 is for sending a higher frequency identification signal to the transceiver module 2.1 trained, for example, the user of the vehicle 2 to authenticate. Alternatively, in the remote control device 1 also only one of the antenna units 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 be provided, which is intended both for receiving low-frequency signals and for transmitting higher-frequency signals.

The communication unit 1.1.2 furthermore comprises an evaluation unit 1.1.2.3 that with the antenna units 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 for the evaluation of received signals and / or for the generation of signals to be transmitted is coupled.

By means of the evaluation unit 1.1.2.3 can also the vehicle functions such. B. opening and closing in particular motor-operated doors and flaps of the vehicle 2 , an activation and deactivation of a drive motor of the vehicle 2 and activation and deactivation of lighting units and other signal units. This includes the mobile unit 1.1 a number of controls 1.1.3 , z. As buttons that communicate with the evaluation 1.1.2.3 is coupled. The remote control device 1 further expediently has sensors in door handles that enable keyless opening and closing of vehicle doors.

For electrical power supply of the communication unit 1.1.2 is at least one energy store 1.1.4 provided, z. B. a battery in the form of a button cell.

Usually, the mobile unit 1.1 , in particular the receiving antenna unit 1.1.2.1 , in permanent readiness to receive. That is, the receiving antenna unit 1.1.2.1 is in a standby mode, in which a quiescent current flows permanently, with which the energy storage 1.1.4 in the communication unit 1.1.2 the receiving antenna unit 1.1.2.1 fed. This has on the one hand a limited life of the energy storage 1.1.4 due to the quiescent current consumption. On the other hand, the permanent willingness to receive a risk for so-called relay attacks, in which using two relay stations, a range of communication between vehicle 2 and communication unit 1.1.2 be increased to a required level. These attacks are therefore also known as "relay station attack".

To improve a security of the remote control device 1 and thus to the protection of the vehicle 2 Theft is covered by the remote control device 1 at least one motion sensor 1.1.5 and at least one timer 1.1.6 ,

The motion sensor 1.1.5 and the timer 1.1.6 are expediently together with the communication unit 1.1.2 in the case 1.1.1 the mobile unit 1.1 arranged. For power supply, the motion sensor 1.1.5 and the timer 1.1.6 with the energy storage 1.1.4 be coupled. Alternatively, at least one further energy store (not shown) may be provided.

The motion sensor 1.1.5 is for example an acceleration sensor. In this case, it is also possible to provide a plurality of acceleration sensors arranged in a defined orientation with respect to one another, which may be the motion sensor 1.1.5 form.

The timer 1.1.6 is in particular a so-called time counter and comprises, for example, a number of transistors. By means of the timer 1.1.6 It is possible to specify a time period after which a certain action is to take place. The action here consists in the deactivation of the communication unit 1.1.2 , in particular in the deactivation of the antenna units 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 ,

This is the timer 1.1.6 at least with the evaluation unit 1.1.2.3 coupled, wherein the evaluation unit 1.1.2.3 Data from the motion sensor 1.1.5 and from the timer 1.1.6 evaluates. That is, as soon as the data from the motion sensor 1.1.5 a motionlessness of the mobile unit 1.1 yield, becomes the timer 1.1.6 activated, which starts counting for a preset period of time. If, after the expiration of the period of time remains a motionlessness of the mobile unit 1.1 detects, deactivates the evaluation unit 1.1.2.3 the antenna units 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 , A quiescent current is significantly low.

Will be a movement of the mobile unit 1.1 detects, activates the evaluation unit 1.1.2.3 the antenna units 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 again, so that in particular the receiving antenna unit 1.1.2.1 is in standby mode or active mode.

The described solution enables keyless entry and drive authorization systems of the vehicle 2 be reliably protected against relay attacks. A risk of theft for the vehicle 2 is thus significantly reduced. In addition, energy consumption of the mobile unit 1.1 reduced compared to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Remote control device

1.1.

mobile unit

1.1.1

casing

1.1.2

communication unit

1.1.2.1

Receiving antenna unit

1.1.2.2

Transmitting antenna unit

1.1.2.3

evaluation

1.1.3

operating element

1.1.4

energy storage

1.1.5

motion sensor

1.1.6

timer

2

vehicle

2.1

Transmitter and receiver module

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013010322 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Remote control device ( 1 ) for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle ( 2 ) with a mobile unit ( 1.1 ), comprising a housing ( 1.1.1 ) and one in the housing ( 1.1.1 ) arranged communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) for communication with the vehicle ( 2 ), characterized by at least one additional in the housing ( 1.1.1 ) arranged motion sensor ( 1.1.5 ) for detecting a movement of the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) and at least one timer ( 1.1.6 ), where - the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) changes to a sleep mode in which the communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) is disabled when the at least one motion sensor ( 1.1.5 ) an immobility of the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) and one of the at least one timer ( 1.1.6 ) specified time has expired. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) changes to an active mode in which the communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) is activated as soon as the at least one motion sensor ( 1.1.5 ) a movement of the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) detected. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an evaluation unit ( 1.1.2.3 ) connected to the at least one motion sensor ( 1.1.5 ), the at least one timer ( 1.1.6 ) and the communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) is coupled. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the evaluation unit ( 1.1.2.3 ) in the communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) is integrated. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) at least one antenna unit ( 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 ) for transmitting and receiving signals. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one antenna unit ( 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 ) for transmitting and receiving signals with a transmitting and receiving module ( 2.1 ) of the vehicle ( 2 ) is coupled when the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) within a given distance to the vehicle ( 2 ) is located. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that in dependence of a detected movement of the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) the at least one antenna unit ( 1.1.2.1 . 1.1.2.2 ) by means of the evaluation unit ( 1.1.2.3 ) can be activated or deactivated. Remote control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one energy store ( 1.1.4 ) for the electrical power supply of the mobile unit ( 1.1 ). Remote control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) is integrated in a vehicle key. Method for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle ( 2 ) with a remote control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit ( 1.1.2 ) is deactivated when using the at least one motion sensor ( 1.1.5 ) an immobility of the mobile unit ( 1.1 ) and one of the at least one timer ( 1.1.6 ) specified time has expired.

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