DE102021126852A1 - Communication system for a vehicle, access system for a vehicle, method for operating a communication unit, and computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system (2) for a vehicle (1), having a communication unit (10) for defining at least two main communication directions (211, 212, 213), which are used at least for receiving (101) electromagnetic communication signals (200) from a mobile Device (3) are aligned along two different spatial axes (211.1, 212.1), and a control device (20) for determining (103) a prioritized communication direction (210) of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213), which leads to a spatial orientation ( 220) of the mobile device (3) corresponds. The invention also relates to an access system (4), a method (100) and a computer program product.

Description

The invention relates to a communication system for a vehicle, an access system for a vehicle, a method for operating a communication unit, and a computer program product.

Communication systems for data communication between a vehicle and an ID transmitter, such as an electronic vehicle key or a smartphone, are known for performing comfort and/or access functions.

It is also, for example, from the DE 10 2017 213 375 A1 known to determine a position based on a distance and / or location of the ID transmitter to the vehicle to support a parking process. In this case, two antennas are used, as a result of which the position of the ID transmitter can be assigned to a vehicle interior or a vehicle exterior on the basis of communication signals.

In particular when using low-energy communication standards and/or in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, the connection between the vehicle and the ID transmitter can be broken in such communication systems due to a fluctuating signal quality, although the user is in principle with the ID transmitter is within reach. This causes the connection to be established repeatedly, which often requires additional energy. In addition, an unstable connection can disrupt a safety-related function, such as access to the vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the above disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve a communication connection between a vehicle and a mobile device, preferably with regard to its stability and/or with regard to energy consumption.

The above object is achieved by a communication system having the features of claim 1, an access system having the features of claim 11, a method having the features of claim 12, and a computer program product having the features of claim 21. Further features and details of the invention result from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features and details that are described in connection with the communication system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the access system according to the invention, the method according to the invention and/or the computer program product according to the invention and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always mutually related is or can be taken.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a communication system for a vehicle is provided. The communication system has a communication unit for defining at least two main communication directions, which are aligned for sending and/or receiving, in particular wireless, electromagnetic communication signals (via at least one communication channel) from a mobile device along two different spatial axes. Furthermore, the communication system includes a control device for determining a prioritized communication direction of the main communication directions depending on a detection of position information about the spatial orientation of the mobile device. The prioritized direction of communication corresponds to a spatial orientation of the mobile device. The control device also has a communication module for specifying a communication channel for (particularly bidirectional) communication with the mobile device via the prioritized communication direction.

The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle and/or an aircraft. The mobile device can advantageously be a mobile end device, for example in the form of a smartphone or tablet. The in particular bidirectional communication signals preferably include radio signals.

The communication signals can preferably be sent and/or received by the communication unit in all spatial directions. Furthermore, the communication unit is preferably designed to send and/or receive electromagnetic communication signals to the mobile device, in particular via the main communication directions. The main communication directions can be understood in particular as meaning spatial directions that correspond to a polarization and/or orientation of an electric field component of the communication signals and/or a propagation direction of the communication signals. The main communication directions can preferably differ by the polarization and/or alignment with respect to the electric field component of the received and/or transmitted communication signals. In particular, in each case one of the main communication directions provides the highest signal quality. Each of the main communication directions can be formed by a receiving unit, in particular in the form of an antenna. However, it is also conceivable that the main communication directions are at least partially formed by one or more polarizable receiving units. Due to the main communication directions, the communication unit can be designed, for example, to receive vertically and/or horizontally oriented electrical fields of the communication signals.

The spatial axes can preferably be understood as meaning geometric axes which are in particular oriented perpendicular to one another. In particular, one of the main communication directions is aligned along one of the spatial axes. For alignment along the spatial axes, the main communication directions can be oriented parallel to the spatial axes. Furthermore, the main communication directions can be oriented along the spatial axes in the direction of the spatial axes and/or counter to the spatial axes.

The control device preferably has at least one or more processors and/or microprocessors. The control device can be integrated into a control device, which can be arranged centrally or decentrally in the vehicle. However, it is also conceivable for the control device to be a distributed control device with a plurality of control units that are preferably designed to be structurally independent of one another. For example, the control device can be integrated at least partially or completely into a server and/or the vehicle. The communication module can at least partially or completely include hardware components, a memory and/or software components. The control device can have a detection module for detecting the location information and/or an orientation module for determining the prioritized direction of communication.

The position information can directly or indirectly describe the orientation of the mobile device. It is conceivable that the position information includes information about the alignment of the mobile device in a coordinate system, in particular relative to the vehicle and/or to the earth's magnetic field. Furthermore, the location information can include a physical variable that is characteristic of the orientation of the mobile device. The prioritized direction of communication is in particular a main direction of communication selected as a function of the acquisition of the location information. It is conceivable that after the communication channel has been defined, communication signals are only sent by the communication unit to the mobile device and/or received by the mobile device via the prioritized communication direction. Provision can also be made for input signals received via the at least one other main communication direction to be filtered when the communication channel is defined and/or for a receiving unit in the at least one other main communication direction to be deactivated for communication with the mobile device.

The spatial orientation of the mobile device can be understood in particular as a position of the mobile device in space. It has been recognized within the scope of the present invention that the signal alignment and/or polarization of the communication signals corresponds to the orientation of the mobile device. For example, the mobile device can have a mobile transmitting and/or receiving antenna, which is arranged in a fixed orientation for orienting the mobile device. A signal quality in data communication between the communication unit and the mobile device can be improved by determining the prioritized communication direction, e.g. by selecting the main communication direction as the prioritized communication direction, which has the same orientation as the mobile transmitting and/or receiving antenna of the mobile device, or whose orientation shows the slightest deviation from the orientation of the mobile transmitting and/or receiving antenna of the mobile device. By specifying the communication channel, a stable (and bidirectional) communication connection can thus be established between the communication unit and the mobile device. In particular, this can reduce disconnections during communication between the mobile device and the communication unit and/or ensure high data and signal quality.

Furthermore, in a communication system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the control device has an evaluation module for detecting a signal strength of the communication signals for each of the main communication directions and for carrying out a comparison of the signal strengths for detecting location information. The signal strengths and/or a change in the signal strengths over the main communication directions are, in particular, physical quantities which are characteristic of the orientation of the mobile device, in particular with regard to the spatial axes. The signal strength can be evaluated by the evaluation module, for example in the form of an RSSI value (Received Signal Strength Indicator). In the comparison, the main communication direction with the highest RSSI value can be determined as the prioritized communication direction. Furthermore, the evaluation module can be designed to detect the signal strength as a function of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the communication signals. In addition or as an alternative, the evaluation module can also be designed to acquire the position information in order to obtain a position signal with measurement-data-dependent orientation data of the mobile device. For example, a request for the location information can be sent to the mobile device by the communication unit. The position signal can, for example, include measurement data from an acceleration sensor and/or a global position detection of the mobile device. The position signal can be receivable via at least one or all main communication directions. It is also conceivable that the position signal for plausibility checking of the position information can be received, for example, via the communication channel.

It is also conceivable in a communication system according to the invention that the communication unit has three main communication directions, which are aligned along three different spatial axes. It is conceivable that the three main communication directions are formed by three receiving elements of the communication unit. However, it is also conceivable that the communication unit can be controlled by the control device to define the three main communication directions. For example, the communication unit can be designed for, in particular circular, polarization in order to at least temporarily cover the three spatial directions. Main communication directions are preferably aligned perpendicular to one another. Due to the three main communication directions, all spatial axes in three-dimensional space can be taken into account when receiving the communication signals.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a communication system according to the invention that the communication unit has an antenna for each of the main communication directions, preferably with the communication module for determining one of the antennas as a communication antenna for communication via the prioritized communication direction with the mobile device, in particular for executing a vehicle function the communication module can be defined. Each of the antennas for sending and/or receiving the communication signals can preferably be polarized, in particular linearly, via one of the main communication directions. The control device and the antennas can be designed in particular for data communication with the mobile device via Bluetooth signals, preferably via Bluetooth low energy signals. The vehicle function can be, for example, an authentication process for access authorization to the vehicle and/or an opening process for opening a vehicle door of the vehicle. The main communication directions can be implemented in hardware form in a simple manner by means of the antennas. Furthermore, by determining the communication antenna, the communication channel can be unambiguously assigned in hardware in order to enable a stable connection quality between the communication unit and the mobile device.

It is also conceivable in a communication system according to the invention that the communication unit has a printed circuit board on which a first antenna, which is assigned to a first main communication direction of the main communication directions, and/or a second antenna, which is assigned to a second main communication direction of the main communication directions, is arranged, in particular preferably printed with free forms as conductor tracks. The signal exchange can be improved by the selected free form of the respective antenna. The circuit board can be a single-layer or multi-layer circuit board. It is also conceivable for the first and second antennas to be attached to the printed circuit board as SMD components. Thus, the communication unit can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. When the first and second antennas are printed onto the printed circuit board, a tight positional tolerance can be maintained, in particular in the alignment of the first and second antennas with respect to one another. Furthermore, a plane can be formed by the circuit board, in which the first and second antenna are arranged. This can further simplify the alignment of the antennas with respect to one another. The two antennas are preferably printed on a top conductor layer of the conductor tracks in order to improve the signal exchange.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a communication system according to the invention that the communication unit has a third antenna, which is assigned to a third main communication direction of the main communication directions, with a first end and a second end, preferably wherein the third antenna is attached to the printed circuit board at the first end and that second end has a distance to the circuit board. In particular, the third antenna can be arranged perpendicularly or essentially perpendicularly to the printed circuit board and/or to the first and second antenna. As a result, the three main communication directions can advantageously be aligned along the three spatial axes. It can be provided be that the antenna is formed by an electrical conductor such as a wire. In addition or as an alternative, it can preferably be provided that the first end is inserted through the circuit board. For example, the third antenna can be designed as a THT component (Through Hole Technology component) for attachment to the circuit board. This allows the third antenna to be mounted vertically on the printed circuit board in a cost-effective manner.

Furthermore, in a communication system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the third antenna is integrated in a plug (which can be soldered onto the printed circuit board) for an electrical connection. For example, an electrical conductor of the electrical connection can be used for the third antenna. A component that is already present in the connector can thus be given a dual use, so that no additional component is required for the third antenna. However, it is also conceivable that the third antenna is integrated into another electrical or electronic component and/or into a housing of the communication unit.

In a communication system according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the control device has a decentralized control unit which is arranged on the printed circuit board, in particular with the decentralized control unit having the communication module. In addition or as an alternative, the decentralized control unit can advantageously include the evaluation module, the detection module and/or the orientation module. The decentralized control unit can, for example, comprise an integrated circuit (IC). The decentralized control unit is preferably assigned to the communication unit in order to enable the prioritized direction of communication to be determined, the location information to be recorded and/or the communication channel to be specified for the communication unit. In particular, the decentralized control unit can be electrically connected, in particular directly, to the communication unit. As a result, short signal paths can be made possible between the decentralized control unit and the communication unit, as a result of which, for example, transmission losses can be reduced. The first, second and third antenna can advantageously be connected to the decentralized control unit, in particular by an electrical conductor track which is arranged on the printed circuit board. Preferably, the antennas of the communication unit can each have the same or approximately the same distance and/or the same or approximately the same length of a signal path to the decentralized control unit.

Furthermore, in a communication system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the control device has a central control unit for controlling the at least one communication unit via an internal data connection, in particular the central control unit having the communication module. In addition or as an alternative, the central control unit can advantageously include the evaluation module, the detection module and/or the orientation module. The central control unit can, for example, comprise an integrated circuit (IC) and/or be integrated into a central control unit of the vehicle. The internal data connection can e.g. B. include an electrical connection and / or a wireless connection for transmission of data. Provision can be made for the decentralized control unit to be interposed in the internal data connection between the communication unit and the decentralized control unit. For example, several communication units can be operated jointly by the central control unit. Furthermore, the central control unit can provide computing capacity centrally in the vehicle, so that additional, decentralized components can be reduced and/or made smaller.

Furthermore, in a communication system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the communication unit is integrated into a first satellite unit for positioning in a first installation space in the vehicle, in particular with a further communication unit being provided which is integrated into a second satellite unit for positioning in a second installation space in the vehicle is integrated. The satellite units can in particular be assemblies that can be mounted in a decentralized manner in the vehicle. In particular, a printed circuit board and/or a decentralized control unit can be integrated into each of the two satellite units. The first and second space can differ in particular by the respective position in the vehicle. For example, the first installation space can be provided on a driver's side of the vehicle and the second installation space on a passenger side. It can be provided that each communication unit of the satellite units can be controlled by the central control unit. Provision can be made for the central control unit to first determine a prioritized satellite unit of the satellite units depending on the location information and/or the signal strength in order to define the communication channel, with the communication channel being defined via the prioritized satellite unit.

It is also conceivable that the communication system has at least one satellite unit, preferably two or three satellite units. The communication system can exclude Lich be formed from the or the satellite units. The communication unit and the control device can also be integrated in the satellite unit.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an access system for a vehicle is provided. The access system has an access mechanism for an access function of the vehicle. Furthermore, the access system includes a communication system according to the invention, through which the access function can be released.

An access system according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a communication system according to the invention. The enabling of the access function by the communication system can be understood to mean that the access function is enabled for user interaction and/or for automatic activation. It can be provided that the access function can be released automatically and/or mechanically by the communication system. The access mechanism can be designed, for example, to lock and/or unlock a vehicle door and/or to automatically open and/or close the vehicle door by means of an actuator. However, it is also conceivable that the access function includes access to a vehicle function, such as starting a traction drive of the vehicle.

• - Empfangen von elektromagnetischen Kommunikationssignalen über die zumindest zwei Hauptkommunikationsrichtungen, insbesondere durch zumindest eine erste und eine zweite Antenne der Kommunikationseinheit,
• - Erfassen einer Lageinformation über eine räumliche Orientierung des mobilen Gerätes in Abhängigkeit von den Kommunikationssignalen, insbesondere durch eine Steuervorrichtung der Kommunikationseinheit,
• - Bestimmen einer priorisierten Kommunikationsrichtung der Hauptkommunikationsrichtungen, welche zu der Orientierung des mobilen Gerätes korrespondiert, in Abhängigkeit von der Lageinformation, insbesondere durch die Steuervorrichtung,
• - Festlegen eines Kommunikationskanals zur Kommunikation mit dem mobilen Gerät über die priorisierte Kommunikationsrichtung, insbesondere durch ein Kommunikationsmodul der Steuervorrichtung.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a communication unit, in particular a communication system according to the invention, of a vehicle is provided. The communication unit is designed to define at least two main communication directions. The main communication directions are aligned along two different spatial axes for receiving electromagnetic communication signals from a mobile device. The procedure includes the following steps:

• - receiving electromagnetic communication signals via the at least two main communication directions, in particular by at least a first and a second antenna of the communication unit,
• - detecting position information about a spatial orientation of the mobile device as a function of the communication signals, in particular by a control device of the communication unit,
• - determining a prioritized communication direction of the main communication directions, which corresponds to the orientation of the mobile device, depending on the position information, in particular by the control device,
• - Defining a communication channel for communication with the mobile device via the prioritized direction of communication, in particular by a communication module of the control device.

A method according to the invention thus entails the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a communication system according to the invention and/or an access system according to the invention. The electromagnetic communication signals can be received passively. The positional information can be detected by information transmitted through the communication signals, e.g., through modulation, by reading out the positional information from the communication signals. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the position information is determined using a physical variable of the communication signals.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for a signal strength of the communication signals for each of the main communication directions to be evaluated in order to record the position information, in particular with a comparison of the signal strengths being carried out to determine the prioritized communication direction. An RSSI value and/or a signal-to-noise ratio can be determined to evaluate the signal strengths. In the comparison, the main communication direction with the highest RSSI value and/or the highest signal-to-noise ratio can be determined as the prioritized communication direction. For example, it can be assumed that the orientation of the main communication direction with the highest RSSI value and/or the highest signal-to-noise ratio comes closest to the orientation of the mobile device, especially since the best signal quality can be expected with a matching orientation. In particular, it is conceivable for a voltage to be measured at the antennas assigned to the main communication directions in each case in order to determine the signal strength. In particular, if the communication signals are present for each of the main communication directions, the orientation of the mobile device can be inferred from the signal strength, preferably independently by the control device.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that a position signal with measurement-data-dependent orientation data of the mobile device is received in order to record the position information. For this purpose, for example, a request for the location information can be sent to the mobile device beforehand. To determine the orientation of the mobile device can For example, a measuring process can be carried out using an acceleration sensor and/or a position determination. Due to the position signal, the recorded position information can have a high level of accuracy in relation to the spatial orientation of the mobile device, as a result of which the selection of the prioritized communication direction can be improved.

In a method according to the invention, provision can preferably be made for the signal strengths of the communication signals to be evaluated first in order to determine the prioritized communication direction, with the prioritized communication direction then being checked for plausibility as a function of the position signal. It can be provided that the position signal has a higher priority than the evaluation of the signal strengths. It can be provided that the prioritized direction of communication is initially fixed temporarily for receiving the position signal as a function of the comparison of the signal strengths. Subsequently, the prioritized communication direction can be changed as a function of the position information of the position signal and/or the communication channel can be defined as a function of the position information of the position signal. As a result, a high degree of reliability can be achieved when detecting the location information and thus a stable communication channel.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the communication signals are Bluetooth signals, preferably Bluetooth low-energy signals. As a result, low-energy data transmission can be implemented between the communication unit and the mobile device. Furthermore, a distance to the vehicle can be bridged by the Bluetooth signals, so that the data communication can already take place via the communication channel when the user approaches the vehicle and before the user has reached the vehicle.

• - Ausführen einer Fahrzeugfunktion in Abhängigkeit von einem Datenaustausch zwischen der Kommunikationseinheit und dem mobilen Gerät über den Kommunikationskanal,

insbesondere wobei es sich bei der Fahrzeugfunktion um einen Authentifizierungsvorgang für eine Zugangsberechtigung zum Fahrzeug und/oder einen Öffnungsvorgang zum Öffnen einer Fahrzeugtür des Fahrzeuges handelt. Weiterhin ist es denkbar, dass die Fahrzeugfunktion eine Freigabe eines Traktionsantriebs des Fahrzeuges umfasst. Ferner kann die Fahrzeugfunktion einen Positionsermittlungsvorgang zum Ermitteln einer Position des mobilen Gerätes zum Fahrzeug umfassen. Dadurch kann das mobile Gerät im Fahrzeug oder in einer Fahrzeugumgebung geortet werden.It is also conceivable in a method according to the invention that the method comprises the following step:

• - Execution of a vehicle function depending on a data exchange between the communication unit and the mobile device via the communication channel,

In particular, the vehicle function is an authentication process for access authorization to the vehicle and/or an opening process for opening a vehicle door of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the vehicle function includes enabling a traction drive of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle function can include a position determination process for determining a position of the mobile device in relation to the vehicle. This allows the mobile device to be located in the vehicle or in a vehicle environment.

In a method according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that a distance between the mobile device and the communication unit is determined during the data exchange, in particular the distance being taken into account in the authentication process and/or the opening process. As a result, the authentication process and/or the opening process can take place, in particular in stages, for example as a function of the user approaching the vehicle with the mobile device. Furthermore, the position determination process for an interior can be used to determine whether the mobile device is in the vehicle and/or whether the mobile device can be assigned to the driver.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that a limit value for defining a tolerance range for a signal quality of the communication signals is specified for the communication channel, with the definition of the communication channel being restarted if the signal quality is outside the tolerance range. When the user moves with the mobile device, the orientation of the mobile device can change, which can change the signal quality. The tolerance range can be below or above the limit value. The limit value can thus be an upper or a lower limit value for the tolerance range. For example, the threshold may include an SNR threshold. In this case, the limit value is preferably a lower limit value. When the definition of the communication channel is restarted, a new communication channel can be defined, in particular via an adapted, prioritized communication direction. For this purpose, in particular the reception of electromagnetic communication signals, the detection of position information and/or the determination of a prioritized communication direction can be repeated. As a result, the prioritized communication direction can be adjusted during operation of the communication unit, in particular without the data connection to the mobile device being completely interrupted.

In a method according to the invention, provision can preferably be made for a plurality of communication channels to be specified for a plurality of mobile devices, with a dedicated communication channel being specified for each of the mobile devices. A separate communication channel can thus be defined for each of the mobile devices. A separate antenna of the communication unit can be used for each mobile device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the communication with several mobile devices takes place via the same antenna and/or the same main communication direction. It can be provided that the definition of the communication channel is restarted separately for each of the mobile devices if the signal quality is outside the tolerance range. Thus, the communication system can advantageously communicate with a plurality of mobile devices, preferably with up to eight, at the same time. The stability of each connection of the communication system to the mobile devices can be improved.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed by a control device, cause the control device to carry out a method according to the invention.

A computer program product according to the invention thus entails the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a communication system according to the invention, an access system according to the invention and/or a method according to the invention. The method can in particular be a computer-implemented method. The computer program product can be implemented as computer-readable instruction code. Furthermore, the computer program product can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a data disk, a removable drive, a volatile or non-volatile memory, or an integrated memory/processor. Furthermore, the computer program product can be made available or made available in a network such as the Internet, from which it can be downloaded by a user if required. The computer program product can be implemented both by means of software and by means of one or more special electronic circuits, i.e. in hardware or in any hybrid form, i.e. by means of software components and hardware components.

• 1 ein Fahrzeug mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Zugangssystem, das ein erfindungsgemäßes Kommunikationssystem umfasst, in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 2 eine Steuervorrichtung des Kommunikationssystems,
• 3 Hauptkommunikationsrichtungen einer Kommunikationseinheit des Kommunikationssystems und ein mobiles Gerät,
• 4a+b eine Leiterplatte des Kommunikationssystems,
• 5 ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Betreiben der Kommunikationseinheit in schematischer Darstellung von Verfahrensschritten, und
• 6 einen Toleranzbereich für eine Signalqualität.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is shown schematically:

• 1 a vehicle with an access system according to the invention, which includes a communication system according to the invention, in a first exemplary embodiment,
• 2 a control device of the communication system,
• 3 Main communication directions of a communication unit of the communication system and a mobile device,
• 4a +b a printed circuit board of the communication system,
• 5 a method according to the invention for operating the communication unit in a schematic representation of method steps, and
• 6 a tolerance range for a signal quality.

In the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, identical reference symbols are used for the same technical features in different exemplary embodiments.

1 shows a vehicle 1 with an access system 4 according to the invention. The vehicle 1 has an access mechanism 5 for an access function of the vehicle 1 and a communication system 2 according to the invention.

The communication system 2 includes a first satellite unit 14, which is arranged in a first installation space 1.1 of the vehicle 1, and a second satellite unit 15, which is arranged in a second installation space 1.2 of the vehicle 1. As in 2 shown, a communication unit 10 is integrated into each of the satellite units 14, 15. Furthermore, the communication system 2 includes a control device 20 for executing 105 a vehicle function. The vehicle function can be an authentication process for an access authorization for the access function and/or an opening process for opening a vehicle door of the vehicle 1 by the access mechanism 5 . The vehicle function can in particular be executable by a central control unit 22 of the control device 20 .

5 also shows method 100 for operating at least one of the communication units 10 of the communication system 2 in a schematic representation of method steps. The method 100 can be executed, for example, by instructions of a computer program product which, when executed by the control device 20, cause the control device 20 to carry out the method 100. In this case, electromagnetic communication signals 200 are received 101 via at least two, here three, main communication directions 211, 212, 213 from one mobile device 3. As in 3 shown, each of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 is aligned along a separate spatial axis 211.1, 212.1, 213.1, as a result of which, for example, at least one of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 results in a polarization and/or alignment of an electric field component 201 of the communication signals 200 im room is three-dimensionally oriented at an angle of no more than 45°. To define the main communication directions 211, 212, 213, the communication unit 10 has an antenna 11, 12, 13 for each of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213.

The communication signals 200 are, in particular, Bluetooth signals, preferably Bluetooth low-energy signals. As a result, the communication unit 10 can exchange signals with the mobile device 3 in an energy-saving manner. Furthermore, as a result, complex data such as data for the authentication process can be transmitted by the communication signals 200 . For example, depending on the Bluetooth signals, the distance between the mobile device 3 and the communication unit 10 can be determined, which can be taken into account in the authentication process and/or the opening process.

For stable communication between the communication unit 10 and the mobile device 3, the method 100 includes detecting 102 position information 221 about a spatial orientation 220 of the mobile device 3 depending on the communication signals 200 by the control device 20, in particular by a detection module 20.3 of the control device 20. The position information 221 includes, in particular, information on the direct or indirect assignment of the spatial orientation 220 to the main communication directions 211, 212, 213. The spatial orientation 220 can, for example, be based on a direction through the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 and/or the spatial axes 211.1 , 212.1 defined coordinate system. Furthermore, the position information 221 can include a physical variable, such as a signal direction and/or polarization of the communication signals 200, which is characteristic of the orientation 220 of the mobile device 3.

A signal strength 221.1 of the communication signals 200 for each of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 is preferably evaluated for detecting 102 the position information 221, in particular by an evaluation module 20.2 of the control device 20. In this case, for example, an input voltage at the antennas 11, 12, 13 can be measured for at least one of the communication signals 200 or for a plurality of successive communication signals 200.

In the method 100, a prioritized communication direction 210 of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 is then determined 103 as a function of the location information 221, which corresponds to the orientation 220 of the mobile device 3, in particular by an orientation module 20.4 of the control device 20 A comparison of the signal strengths 221.1 can be carried out, by means of which the main communication direction 211, 212, 213 of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 can be determined, at which the received communication signals 200 have the highest signal strength 221.1. For example, RSSI values of the communication signals 200 for the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 can be compared. It can be assumed that the main communication direction 211, 212, 213 with the main communication directions 211, 212, 213 corresponds to the position of a transmitting and/or receiving antenna of the mobile device 3 and thus as position information 221 characteristic of the orientation 220 of the mobile device 3 is.

In addition or as an alternative, it is conceivable that a position signal 221.2 with measurement-data-dependent orientation data of the mobile device 3 is received in order to detect 102 the position information 221 . As a result, the location information 221 can be communicated to the communication unit 10 by the mobile device 3 immediately upon receipt 101 of the communication signals 200 . Preferably, to determine 103 the prioritized direction of communication 210, an evaluation 103.1 of the signal strengths 221.1 of the communication signals 200 and then a plausibility check 103.2 of the prioritized direction of communication 210 are carried out as a function of the position signal 221.2.

Depending on the prioritized communication direction 210, a communication channel 230 is then defined 104 for communication between the communication unit 10 and the mobile device 3 via the prioritized communication direction 210 by a communication module 20.1 of the control device 20. To ensure the stability of the communication, the communication channel 230 can as in 6 shown, a limit value 230.1 for defining 104 a tolerance range 230.2 for a signal quality of the communication signals 200, in particular in the form of the signal strength 221.1, can be specified. If a signal quality via the communication channel 230 subsequently changes, e.g. when executing 105 the vehicle function, and as a result is outside of the tolerance range 230.2, this can Setting 104 the communication channel 230 to be restarted. As a result, it is possible to react to a change in the spatial orientation 220 of the mobile device 3, for example.

Multiple communication channels 230 can preferably be specified for multiple mobile devices 3, in particular for simultaneous operation. For example, a dedicated communication channel 230 can be defined for each of the mobile devices 3 .

As in 2 shown, the control device 20 has a decentralized control unit 21 for the first satellite unit 14 and the second satellite unit 15, which is connected or can be connected to the central control unit 22 via an internal data connection. Provision can be made for the communication module 20.1, the evaluation module 20.2, the detection module 20.3 and/or the orientation module 20.4 to be integrated into the central control unit 22 and/or the decentralized control unit 21.

The respective communication unit 10 of the first satellite unit 14 and the second satellite unit 15 also has, as shown in FIGS 4a and 4b shown, a circuit board 16 on. The respective decentralized control unit 21 is also arranged on the printed circuit board 16 . Furthermore, a first antenna 11, which is assigned to a first main communication direction 211 of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213, and a second antenna 12, which is assigned to a second main communication direction 212 of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213, are preferably arranged on the circuit board 16 printed. A third antenna 13, which is assigned to a third main communication direction 213 of the main communication directions 211, 212, 213, is arranged in particular perpendicular to the first antenna 11 and the second antenna 12. The third antenna 13 preferably has a first end 13.1, which is fixed to the printed circuit board 16, and a second end 13.2 at a distance from the printed circuit board 16. For example, the first end 13.1 can be inserted through the printed circuit board 16. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the third antenna 13 is integrated into a plug for an electrical connection 17 . For example, a connecting wire of the plug can be used as a third antenna 13 by means of an electrical connection to the decentralized control unit 21 . The first antenna 11 , the second antenna 12 and the third antenna 13 are preferably each approximately the same distance from the decentralized control unit 21 .

A stable connection can thus be established during data communication between the mobile device 3 and the communication unit 10, in which connection interruptions are reduced and/or high data and signal quality is ensured.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively in the context of examples. It goes without saying that individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, insofar as this makes technical sense, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Reference List

1

vehicle

1.1

first build space

1.2

second space

2

communication system

3

Device

4

access system

5

access mechanism

10

communication unit

11

first antenna

12

second antenna

13

third antenna

13.1

first end

13.2

second end

14

first satellite unit

15

second satellite unit

16

circuit board

17

Connection

20

control device

20.1

communication module

20.2

evaluation module

20.3

acquisition module

20.4

orientation module

21

control unit

22

control unit

100

Proceedings

101

Receiving 200

102

Capture of 221

103

Determining 210

103.1

Evaluate 200

103.2

Plausibility check of 210

104

Set 230

105

Execute vehicle function

200

communication signals

201

electric field component of 200

210

prioritized direction of communication

211

first main communication direction

211.1

first spatial axis

212

second main communication direction

212.1

second spatial axis

213

third main communication direction

213.1

third spatial axis

220

orientation

221

location information

221.1

signal strength

221.2

position signal

230

communication channel

230.1

limit

230.2

tolerance range

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102017213375 A1 [0003]

Claims (21)

Having communication system (2) for a vehicle (1). a communication unit (10) for defining at least two main communication directions (211, 212, 213), which are aligned at least for receiving (101) electromagnetic communication signals (200) from a mobile device (3) along two different spatial axes (211.1, 212.1). are, and a control device (20) for determining (103) a prioritized communication direction (210) of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213), which corresponds to a spatial orientation (220) of the mobile device (3), depending on a detection (102) location information (221) about the spatial orientation (220) of the mobile device (3), wherein the control device (20) has a communication module (20.1) for specifying (104) a communication channel (230) for communication with the mobile device (3) via the prioritized communication direction (210). Communication system (2) after claim 1 , characterized in that the control device (20) has an evaluation module (20.2) for detecting a signal strength (221.1) of the communication signals (200) for each of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213) and for carrying out a comparison of the signal strengths (221.1) for the Detection (102) of position information (221). Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (10) has three main communication directions (211, 212, 213) aligned along three different spatial axes (211.1, 212.1). Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (10) has an antenna (11, 12, 13) for each of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213), the communication module (20.1) for determining ( 103) one of the antennas (11, 12, 13) can be defined by the communication module (20.1) as a communication antenna for communication via the prioritized communication direction (210) with the mobile device (3), in particular for executing (105) a vehicle function. Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (10) has a printed circuit board (16) on which a first antenna (11) corresponding to a first main communication direction (211) of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213 ) is assigned, and a second antenna (12), which is assigned to a second main communication direction (212) of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213), arranged, in particular printed, are. Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (10) has a third antenna (13), which is assigned to a third main communication direction (213) of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213), with a first end ( 13.1) and a second end (13.2), in particular wherein the third antenna (13) is attached to the circuit board (16) at the first end (13.1) and the second end (13.2) is at a distance from the circuit board (16), and / or the first end (13.1) is pushed through the printed circuit board (16). Communications system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third antenna (13) is integrated into a plug for an electrical connection (17). Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) has a decentralized control unit (21) which is arranged on the printed circuit board (16), in particular the decentralized control unit (21) containing the communication module (20.1) having. Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) has a central control unit (22) for controlling the at least one communication unit (10) via an internal data connection, in particular the central control unit (22) containing the communication module (20.1) has. Communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (10) is integrated into a first satellite unit (14) for positioning in a first installation space (1.1) in the vehicle (1), in particular with a further communication unit ( 10) is provided, which is integrated into a second satellite unit (15) for positioning in a second installation space (1.2) in the vehicle (1). Access system (4) for a vehicle (1) having an access mechanism (5) for an access function of the vehicle (1), and a communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, through which the access function can be enabled. Method (100) for operating a communication unit (10), in particular a communication system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, of a vehicle (1) for defining at least two main communication directions (211, 212, 213) which are used for receiving (101) from electromagnetic communication signals (200) from a mobile device (3) are aligned along two different spatial axes (211.1, 212.1), comprising the following steps: - receiving (101) electromagnetic communication signals (200) via the at least two main communication directions (211, 212, 213), - detecting (102) position information (221) about a spatial orientation (220) of the mobile device (3) as a function of the communication signals (200), - determining (103) a prioritized communication direction (210) of the main communication directions (211 , 212, 213), which corresponds to the orientation (220) of the mobile device (3), depending on the location information (221), - specifying (104) a communication channel (230) for communication with the mobile device (3) via the prioritized communication direction (210). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for detecting (102) the position information (221) a signal strength (221.1) of the communication signals (200) for each of the main communication directions (211, 212, 213) is evaluated, with Determining (103) the prioritized direction of communication (210) a comparison of the signal strengths (221.1) is carried out. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for detecting (102) the position information (221) a position signal (221.2) with measurement data-dependent orientation data of the mobile device (3) is received. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that to determine (103) the prioritized direction of communication (210), first the signal strengths (221.1) of the communication signals (200) are evaluated, with a plausibility check (103.2) of the prioritized direction of communication ( 210) as a function of the position signal (221.2). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication signals (200) are Bluetooth signals, preferably Bluetooth low energy signals. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises the following step: - Execute (105) a vehicle function depending on a data exchange between the communication unit (10) and the mobile device (3) via the Communication channel (230), in particular the vehicle function being an authentication process for access authorization to the vehicle (1) and/or an opening process for opening a vehicle door of the vehicle (1). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance between the mobile device (3) and the communication unit (10) is determined during the data exchange, the distance being taken into account in the authentication process and/or the opening process. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a limit value (230.1) for specifying a tolerance range (230.2) for a signal quality of the communication signals (200) is specified for the communication channel (230), the specification (104) of the Communication channel (230) is restarted if the signal quality is outside the tolerance range (230.2). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several communication channels (230) are defined for several mobile devices (3), a separate communication channel (230) being defined for each of the mobile devices (3). Computer program product, comprising instructions which, when executed by a control device (20), cause the control device (20) to carry out a method (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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