WO2009062495A1

WO2009062495A1 - Signal system for connection to a closing system, particularly in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2009062495A1
Application number: PCT/DE2008/001887
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Nelskamp
Original assignee: Auto Signal Systems Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-11-16
Filing date: 2008-11-17
Publication date: 2009-05-22
Also published as: DE102007054742B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a signal system (9) for connection to a closing system (2, 3, 4, 5), particularly the closing system (2, 3, 4, 5) in a vehicle (1), wherein the signal system (9) has at least: a signal output device (15) for outputting audible and/or visual signals (S8), a memory unit (12) for storing signal files (S6), a control device (10) for actuating at least the memory unit (12), a first data interface (11) for picking up a trigger signal (S1, S4, S2, S3), produced during an unlocking operation or locking operation in the closing system (2, 3, 4, 5), and outputting an identification signal (S5) to the control device (10), a second data interface (14) for picking up the signal files (S6) and outputting the signal files (S6) to the signal output device (15), and wherein the control device (10), upon picking up the identification signal (S5), outputs a control signal (S10) to the memory unit (12) or signal output device (15) for the purpose of outputting the signal file (S6) as an audible and/or visual signal (S8).

Description

Signaling system for connection to a locking system, in particular a vehicle

The invention relates to a signal system for connection to a locking system, in particular a vehicle.

In vehicles remote controls or remote controls for unlocking and locking the locking systems of the doors are known. In this case, the horn and, if appropriate, the flashing lights and a vehicle interior lighting of the vehicle are partially activated in addition, so that the user recognizes that the signal issued by him has been accepted and the locking or unlocking has taken place. Furthermore, this is in a dark environment such. As an underground car park or on a larger parking lot in the dark, finding the vehicle easier.

However, individual influencing or changing of the signals output by the vehicle is not possible here.

DE 197 45 617 C2 describes a vehicle with a locking system to be opened or locked by means of a remote control. In this case, an anti-theft device and an acoustic feedback device are provided with a signal generator, wherein a microphone determines the ambient volume and allows an adjustment of the signal output.

DE 100 20 580 A1 describes a motor vehicle remote control for transmitting a closing and / or opening command of doors and / or windows by means of a transmitting unit. Here, a display for displaying the closing and opening state of the vehicle is arranged on the radio remote control. DE 90 17 799 U1 describes a locking system for a door on a vehicle with an adjustable by an actuator lock and a controllable by a remote control receiver, which receives an actuating signal and transmitted to a control unit. Here, after locking or unlocking an existing in the vehicle for other purposes signal generator is controlled so that it emits a feedback signal.

DE 196 07 117 A1 describes a device for checking the door lock state on an object, in particular an entertainment device or a motor vehicle. In this case, an electronic key has a transmitter which is in communication connection with a receiver arranged on the object. Acoustically perceptible signals are generated separately from the object in order to be able to transmit the user to the open or locked state of the doors after leaving the object. Here, an additional transmitter and the electronic key a receiver for signaling the achieved state is provided on the object.

DE 44 41 988 A1 describes a remote control, in particular for a switching device in a vehicle, with a transmitter for wireless transmission of a signal for controlling the switching device and an information unit for information about the actuated state of the remote control and / or the switching state of the switching device. Here, a haptic detection of the information unit is provided in order to enable the user to reliably recognize the operating state and / or switching state.

The invention has for its object to allow an individual design of the signal output when locking or unlocking the locking system. This object is achieved by a locking system according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 19. The dependent claims describe preferred developments.

The invention is based on the idea to allow an individual design of the signal output in the operation by the user by

- Different signal files can optionally be recorded via a data interface of the system according to the invention and stored in an internal memory unit,

a trigger signal issued by the user or generated in the vehicle is intercepted by another data interface and used to generate an output signal via a signal output device.

Thus, the use of an additional signal output device with freely selectable output signals and output signal combinations is possible. The signal output is thus no longer limited to the vehicle horn and / or vehicle bulbs. An individual design, in particular also depending on further criteria, is made possible.

In this case, in particular, an acoustic signal output can take place, for which corresponding signal files for acoustic reproduction can be recorded via the data interface. For this purpose, a loudspeaker in or on the vehicle can be provided as the signal output device, which enables the transmission of the acoustic signals, in particular sounds, a melody or voice announcement.

An essential basic idea here is the variety of design possibilities of the signal file transmission, the tap of the triggering signal and the arrangement of the individual components according to the invention. According to the invention, the signal output can also be programmed individually, in particular as a function of time periods; In this case, in particular, programming can be carried out as a function of the day of the week and / or the time of day, so that different signals or signal combinations are output in the different time periods.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings of some embodiments. Show it:

1 shows a vehicle with the signal system according to the invention.

2 is a block diagram according to a first embodiment;

3 is a block diagram according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 4. a block diagram according to a third embodiment with integrated triggering component and signal control unit;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment with a multifunction device as an integrated unit.

A vehicle 1 can be unlocked in a manner known per se by a user via a remote control 2 or remote control. The remote control 2 is z. B. attached to the vehicle key or integrated in this; In principle, it can also already represent the vehicle key. In an unlocking operation, the remote control 2 first sends a wireless signal S1, for example radio signal S1, to a receiver 3 in the vehicle 1. The receiver 3 subsequently outputs the recorded radio signal S1 as in-vehicle received signal S4 to a control device 4 of the central processing unit. locking, which outputs an unlocking signal S2 to the relevant latches 5 of the vehicle, which are generally arranged on the doors 6 and optionally the trunk. Furthermore, z. B. from the control device 4 of the central locking also directly or indirectly flashing signals S3 to various bulbs 7, generally the flashing lights or interior lighting at the front and rear of the vehicle, issued to indicate the unlocking. Furthermore, a sensor for checking the battery voltage can be provided which determines a fluctuation of the battery voltage as a load and thus activation of a consumer. In addition, corresponding control signals S3 can be output to the interior lighting, in part also to the vehicle horn 8. The welcome signal! S4 and / or the drive signals S3 can in particular be transmitted via an in-vehicle data bus, for example the CAN bus.

The drive signals S3 can continue to serve to activate / deactivate an alarm and / or an immobilizer.

According to the invention, a signal system 9 is provided which, in the case of the unlocking described above, additionally outputs output signals which may be, in particular, acoustic output signals, optionally also optical output signals. The signal system 9 may in this case be designed according to different embodiments, of which some are shown in FIGS. The signal system 9 is mounted and contacted respectively in or on the vehicle 1; It has in each case a control device 10, a first data interface 11, a memory unit 12, a second data interface 14 and a signal output device 15. The first data interface 11 receives a signal which triggers or identifies the unlocking process and outputs a recognition signal S5 to the control device 10, which subsequently transmits a signal file S6 from the storage unit 12 retrieves and outputs to the signal output device 15. The signal S6 can be transmitted by wire or wirelessly.

The control device 10 can be designed as part of an existing control device, so that the control device 10 according to the invention can be used e.g. is also supplemented as a software implementation of an existing control device.

The signal output device is advantageously an acoustic signal output device, for. As a speaker 15, which outputs an acoustic signal S8, which may be in particular a melody, ringtone or voice announcement.

The different signal files S6, i. In particular, stored melodies, ringtones and the like can be input via the second data interface 14 by a user according to the invention. They are therefore basically freely selectable and bound only to the acoustic output options of the signal output device 15. The control device 10 and the memory unit 12 can advantageously be combined or formed in one piece. In addition, control files can be transferred to make the assignment of the multiple signal files to different functions or periods. Thus, the second data interface 14 can serve not only the transmission of the signal files but also the supplementary control files (XX).

In the first embodiment of FIG. 2, the user transmits via the remote control 2 the radio signal or wireless signal S1 to the receiver 3 for opening or locking. The receiver 3 sends the received signal S4 via a bus system 18 of the vehicle to the central locking control device 4. The control device 10 of the signal system 9 according to the invention recognizes the signal S4 and processes it. It will thus from the transmission path, for example, the CAN bus 18, without affecting the locking or unlocking process tapped and additionally processed according to the invention. At this time, the data interface 11 receives the reception signal S4 and outputs the internal detection signal S5 to the control unit 10, which then causes a signal output of a signal file S6 from the speaker 15 serving as a signal output device. In this case, the control device 10, an internal signal S10 at z. B. write in one piece with the controller 10 trained memory unit 12 so that it outputs the signal file S6 to the speaker 15. The signal S10 can also be transmitted by wire or wireless.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 can also be modified such that the first data interface 11 does not access the data transmission between the receiver 3 and the control device 4 of the central locking as a trigger signal, but instead a from the central control device 4 to a further component, in particular a flashing light 7 and / or the horn 8 output signal S2 or S3 or a mechanical signal, such as the unlocking of the lock when opening, accesses. In this case, on the one hand, a signal can be tapped via a data bus or else an analog drive signal generated directly on the flashing light 7 or the horn 8. Furthermore, a sensor for measuring battery voltage can be provided, which is a fluctuation as a load and thus supply of the relevant consumer, e.g. the unlocking device detected.

Furthermore, the corresponding signal for activating / deactivating an alarm system and / or immobilizer can also be tapped.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the data interface 11 of the signal system 9 according to the invention directly picks up the radio signal S1. If instead of a remote control 2 uses a different triggering component is, for example, a mechanically inserted key, biometric information, such as a fingerprint, or a voice recognition signal or other signal is tapped according to this signal S1. Such a triggering component is also possible in FIG. Subsequently, the control device 10 according to the invention again controls the loudspeaker unit 15 serving as the signal output device in the manner described above, so that it outputs a signal file S6, for example a corresponding melody or the like.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the remote control 2, the control device 10 according to the invention and preferably also the memory unit 12 are integrally formed, i. the control unit 10 and preferably also the memory unit 12 are incorporated in the triggering component 2, i. In particular, a remote control 2 or a mechanical key or biometric information recorder integrated. Thus, the remote control 2 outputs on the one hand the radio signals S1 and continues to give directly the signal file S6 wirelessly, z. B. as a Bluetooth signal or IR signal to the speaker 15 off; If the memory unit 12 is not integrated in the remote control 2, the control device 10 can also in turn output a signal S10 wirelessly to the memory unit 12 so that it outputs the signal file S6.

Thus, the user opens or locks the vehicle 1 with an integrated remote control 2 which, on the one hand, outputs the radio signal S1 and, on the other hand, at the same time, e.g. as Bluetooth signal directly the speaker 15 or the memory unit 12 drives.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the control device 10, the memory unit 12 and, in addition, the loudspeaker unit 15 serving as the signal output device are also integrated in the remote control 2. Of the

Driver opens and locks the car with a multifunction tion, which emits on the one hand the radio signal S1 to the receiver 3 for the subsequent opening and closing of the vehicle and on the other hand, the output signal S6 to the integrated loudspeaker 15, which outputs the acoustic signal.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, a part of the signal system according to the invention is thus formed in the remote control.

The volume of the output sound signal S8 can be adjusted by the user, e.g. manually or by automatic control.

The transmission and / or storage of the signal file S6, i. Melody or notes, may be used according to the invention as MP3 files or e.g. WAV files, furthermore AAC, ATAC, ID3 tags, Ogg Vorbis and WMA are done.

Thus, the user can transfer files existing in these file formats directly via the data interface 11 into the memory unit 12 according to the invention. The memory unit 12 according to the invention can also be formed in an already existing device, e.g. in an MP3-capable car radio whose internal memory unit is thus used.

The storage unit 12 may be a hard disk, a memory stick, a flash memory, an optical disk such as CD or DVD, a magnetic disk such as floppy disk, floppy disk, or the like.

In all embodiments, the memory unit 12 and / or the control device 10 may also be arranged externally, for example on a separate remote control or a mobile phone, the signal file S6 then being transmitted directly to the loudspeaker 15. Furthermore, according to the invention can be used as a loudspeaker 15 also already existing in the vehicle device, such as the existing car radio or other multimedia device, such as a DVD-Piayer.

According to the invention, the control device 10 and / or the storage unit 12 can also be connected directly to the car radio, eg via cable or VHF _1, whereby integration into an existing control device is also possible.

The inventive feeding of the signal files S6, and optionally of control files S10 for the assignment of the various signal files by functions or periods, to the memory unit 12 and to the controller 10 for forwarding to the memory unit 12, can be encrypted or unencrypted, e.g. in the following way: - a factory storage of the tones, in particular the basic storage of different signal files S6;

By subsequently changing, deleting or supplementing signal files S6 by means of an external medium, e.g. a mobile phone or USB stick, via the data interface 14. In this case, a transmission to the data interface 14 can take place by means of: data cable, e.g. USB cable, USB stick or WLAN, also wireless, such as via infrared, Bluetooth, Internet access, UMTS or other data transfer options.

The memory unit 12 can in this case also be connected to an external memory, eg personal computer, in order to charge the signal files S6. For this purpose, the entire control and storage combination 10, 12 can be removed or only the mobile storage unit 12, while the control device 10 remains in the vehicle 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the multifunction remote control 2 can be directly connected to the external medium, eg the computer.

According to the invention, a direct speech input of the signal file S6 via microphone is possible, e.g. as speech or sung song, on the data interface 14.

The controller 10 and the storage unit 12 may be accommodated separately or as a combined unit at different locations of the vehicle 1, e.g. in the engine compartment, in the electronics box between the engine compartment, in the vehicle interior, possibly with additional display and controls as shown in Fig. 4, 5 integrated into the remote control 2, or in the trunk or outside of the vehicle, e.g. under the vehicle, on the roof, on the outside mirror.

Also, the speaker 15 can be accommodated in these places.

The signal files 6 and the subsequent acoustic output S8 can be triggered on different occasions. This may be determined in the controller 10 or storage unit 12, when, how and which of the output signals, e.g. acoustic or optical signals should sound. Here, a factory default can be made, which can be added later or changed. Possible settings are:

Signal when opening and / or closing the vehicle, loud signal when closing, quiet or no signal when opening, signals sound depending on the driver / remote control, sounding of different signals when opening and closing, manual presetting of signals, Random selection of signals, complete shutdown of the signals.

As a triggering component as described, the remote control 2, the vehicle key or even future components, such as. Mobile phone, pager, biometric recognition via fingerprint and / or voice, as well as a comfort entry-go system, e.g. be provided as a chip with proximity sensor.

As described above, in this case, the generation of the signal S5 is coupled with the opening and closing operation, i. a passive trigger. Furthermore, an active triggering of the sounds is possible if the triggering component is aligned therefor, e.g. as a separate button on the remote control 2.

The signal files S6 may be transmitted from the memory unit 12 to the speaker 15 in the following ways: speaker cables, radio, Bluetooth, bus systems such as CAN, MOST, etc. as well as optical fibers, e.g. D2B. If necessary, additional components such as amplifiers and equilizers can be interposed.

The loudspeaker 15 can be designed as a loudspeaker or loudspeaker unit with several loudspeakers, furthermore also as a subwoofer, vehicle hoist, fanfare, mechanical activator or other acoustic units. An attachments is possible in the vehicle compartment, also in the trunk or outside of the vehicle. The loudspeaker 15 is suitable in this case, e.g. splash-proof, heat- and cold-resistant.

The energy supply of the signal system 9 according to the invention can take place in different ways: via the vehicle battery, ie a connection to the power supply of the vehicle, an optionally present Another additional battery for another function, furthermore, an autonomous or self-sufficient power supply, ie with its own battery or rechargeable battery possible. Furthermore, another power supply, for example via solar energy is possible.

According to the invention, a microphone can also be provided for measuring the ambient volume, which outputs its measuring signal to the control device 10 in order to set the volume of the acoustic signal S8. Depending on the pre-setting or individual setting, the sound thus sounds differently, e.g. louder on a busy street and quieter or no sound at night on a quiet residential street.

According to the invention, not only the triggering process for closing or locking the vehicle, but supplementary conditions can be used as a relevant criterion. This is a coupling to existing or retrofitted systems, which will not trigger the signal until one or more operations have actually been performed, e.g. all vehicle doors are locked, windows, sunroof, gas cap are locked, and / or alarm or immobilizer are activated.

In the first embodiment, such an implementation is more easily possible since the signal output by the control device 4 of the central locking is recorded directly here. In further embodiments, in which the radio signal S1 is intercepted directly or indirectly, additional signals are to be received accordingly.

If the lack of additional conditions is detected, ie, for example, a component is not yet closed or not activated, according to the invention as a speech signal S8 a corresponding tone, for example, "gene close, for example," Please close the tank lid ". According to the invention, the output of not only acoustic signals S8 but also, alternatively or additionally, also optical signals is possible, so that other or additional signal output devices 15 can also be provided. These can output eg light signals, in particular via the existing flashing lights 7, or other lighting. Furthermore, an underbody lighting can be switched on. As a signal output device can also be a vibration on the car done, ie a haptic signal or a mechanical adjustment, such as the lifting and lowering of the vehicle. In principle, a vehicle function can also be activated, for example the engine can be started, and / or a locking of the vehicle can additionally be unlocked, eg on the trunk.

Besides a car, another vehicle, e.g. a bike, boat or motorcycle be provided. Furthermore, the signal system 9 according to the invention can also be connected to a closing device on another object, e.g. be coupled to a house or apartment, or other facility.

According to the invention, a plurality of signal files can be assigned to different functions, such as locking and unlocking. In particular, the assignment according to the invention at different time periods is possible, e.g. different days of the week and different times of the day. Furthermore, it is also possible to assign different output signals as a function of the season, so that e.g. in the morning in winter, an optical signal output by a light, but not in the morning in the summer, when it is already light.

According to the invention, to the signal system 9, e.g. at the control device 10 and / or the storage unit 12, also mechanical adjustments, e.g. Switches, knobs or knobs may be provided to allow adjustment of various parameters, e.g. the volume.

Claims

claims

Signaling system (9) for connection to a shooting system (2, 3, 4, 5), in particular the locking system (2, 3, 4, 5) of a vehicle (1), wherein the signal system (9) comprises at least: a Signal output device (15) for outputting acoustic and / or optical signals (S8), a memory unit (12) for storing signal files (S6), a control device (10) for controlling at least the memory unit (12), a first data interface ( 11) for receiving a trigger signal (S1, S4, S2, S3) generated during an unlocking process or locking process of the locking system (2, 3, 4, 5) and outputting a detection signal (S5) to the control device (10), a second data interface ( 14) for receiving at least the signal files (S6) and outputting the signal files (S6) to the signal output device (15), wherein the control device (10) sends a control signal (S10) to the memory unit (12) in response to the recording of the detection signal (S5). or signal off output device (15) outputs the output of

Signal file (S6) as an acoustic and / or optical signal (S8).

2. Signal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal output device is a loudspeaker (15) for outputting acoustic signals (S8).

3. Signal system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the memory unit (12) and the control device (10) are designed as a structural unit.

Signaling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of different signal files (S6) have different functions and / or different time periods, e.g. Weekday, time, are assignable.

5. Signal system according to claim 4, characterized in that the second data interface (14) is further provided for receiving control signals (S10) and assignment of the plurality of signal files (S6) to the different functions and / or time periods.

6. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmission from the control device (10) to the signal output device (15) takes place wirelessly or via a wired line.

7. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second data interface (14) for receiving the signal files (S6) one or more of the following interfaces: - USB interface,

- IR interface

- Bluetooth interface,

- WLAN interface,

- UMTS interface.

8. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first data interface (11) as a trigger signal receives a radio signal (S1) from a remote control (2) to an in-vehicle receiver (3) for controlling a Verriegelungsein- direction.

9. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first data interface (11) receives as a trigger signal from a vehicle-internal receiver (3) to a central control device (4) of the locking system of the vehicle (1) output received signal (S4).

10. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first data interface (11) as a trigger signal output from the central control device (4) of the locking system signal (S2, S3) or one of another

Control device receives when receiving the signal (S2, S3) output signal.

11. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first data interface (11) as a trigger signal from the central control device (4) to a latch (5) output signal, preferably an unlock signal or latch signal (S2), receives.

12. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first data interface (11) as a trigger signal from the central control device (4) to a lighting device, e.g. a flashing light (7), output driving signal (S3) receives.

13. Signal system according to claim 12, characterized in that the first data interface (11) detects a change in the supply voltage as a trigger signal.

14. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10), preferably also the memory unit (12) is integrally formed with a remote control (2) for actuating the locking system.

15. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the signal output device (15) one of the

Vehicle horn separate acoustic signal output device (15).

16. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) in addition to Erenen- NEN of the trigger signal (S1, S4, S2, S3) continues to use at least one additional condition and the signal output device (15) only for output the output signal is activated when the supplementary condition is met, eg closing all the vehicle doors, closing the windows, the sunroof, the Tankdeckesl and / or activation of the alarm or the

Immobilizer.

17. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal system (9) or parts of the signal system (9) are supplied by a power supply of the vehicle (1).

18. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal system (9) or parts of the signal system (9) from a separate energy storage, for. As an accumulator or a battery, are supplied with power.

19. Signal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a microphone for measuring the ambient noise is provided strength that its measurement signal to the control device (10) to adjust the volume of the acoustic output signal (S8).

20. A method for controlling a signal system (9) which is connected to a locking system (2, 3, 4, 5), in particular the locking system (2, 3, 4, 5) of a vehicle (1), in which a when a Unlocking or locking operation of the locking system (2, 3, 4, 5) generated trigger signal (S1, S4, S2, S3) is received by the signal system and a signal file (S6) to a signal output device (15) of the signal system (9) which outputs an acoustic and / or optical output signal (S8).

21.A method according to claim 20, characterized in that as a trigger signal is detected: one of an operating device (2) to a receiving device (3) of the locking system output signal (S1) or one of a central control unit (4) of the locking system for controlling a Component output control signal (S2, S3) or an in-vehicle signal from the receiver (3) of the signal (S1) via a data system (18) transmitted signal (4).