GB2533108A

GB2533108A - Contactless key localisation

Info

Publication number: GB2533108A
Application number: GB1421873.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sharma Deepak
Original assignee: Denso Corp
Current assignee: Denso Corp
Priority date: 2014-12-09
Filing date: 2014-12-09
Publication date: 2016-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-09
Also published as: GB201421873D0; GB2533108B

Abstract

This is for helping a person locate their smart or contactless key if they lose it in their vehicle. The key 100 is associated with a vehicle which has a transmitter 103. The system will detect a predetermined activation event, such as the driver leaving the car without the key, and after detecting the event activate the keys transmitter. The key will then transmit a localisation signal. The system may also have a vehicle module 200 with a receiver 204 and controller 201, and the key may have a motion sensor 102 that can activate it when it detects movement. The vehicle module may transmit the activation signal to the key, and the vehicle module may also deactivate if there is a deactivation event. The activation event may be switching the engine on or off, detecting movement or opening the door of the vehicle.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1421873.9 RTM Date:22 May 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth WiFi WiMAX Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Contactless key localisation

Field

The present disclosure relates to contactless key localisation and in particular relates to, but is not limited to, a method of using a contactless key for key localisation, a contactless key for key localisation and a system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle.

Background

In lock systems, for example car door locks or car ignition switches, the system can sometimes be operated with a key called "contactless" key. While in a conventional lock system the key has to be inserted into the keyway of the lock or switch and then rotated to operate the system (for example to close/open the lock, start/stop the engine, etc.), a contactless key does not require to be inserted into the lock to operate. Contactless keys rely on wireless technology to operate and can for example open a lock when placed in proximity to a receiver for the lock. Likewise, an engine may be started when the contactless key is placed in proximity to a receiver for the ignition system.

As a result, the key may be in a variety of locations when the lock system is operated and the key may also easily be unknowingly moved from this location once the key system has been operated. For example, the key may be in a person's pocket and may be taken away from the car without the driver noticing or knowing. In another example, the key may be in the vehicle (e.g. if it has fallen between two seats) and the driver may leave the vehicle without knowing that the key remains in the vehicle.

US 2007/257841 discusses a method and an apparatus for localizing a vehicle key, consisting of a mobile transmitter. The vehicle key is located relative to a base station, using mulfipath propagation of a signal transmitted by the transmitter of the vehicle key. Single-path and multipath propagations of the signal are detected in the base station by antennas with different orientations. The field intensities of the signals detected by the antennas are measured for the reception area of each of the antennas The received signal having the greatest field intensity and the corresponding reception area are determined and are identified as providing the direction of the vehicle key.

JP 2002-201838 discusses a vehicle electronic key device and storage medium. Six transmitters can generate and transmit a signal and the electronic key can reply to the signals. Based on the responses received from the electronic key, the estimated position of the electronic key can be displayed on, for example, a navigation display.

JP 2012-052375 discusses an electronic key system. An on-vehicle device includes a Low Frequency (LF) transmitter for transmitting LF signals to the inside of a cabin and an electronic key includes a LF receiver, an LF intensity meter associated with the LF receiver and a transmitter for transmitting intensity information from the LF intensity meter. The position of the electronic key can be identified based on the intensity information and the position of the electronic key in the cabin can be displayed.

These arrangements aim at providing the location of a contactless key. However energy is required for the key to transmit information to be used the localisation process such that it can sometimes drain the battery of the wireless key. It is therefore desirable to reduce the energy required for the localisation process.

Summary

The invention is defined in the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there has been provided a method of using a contactless key for key localisation, the contactless key being associated with a vehicle and comprising a transmitter. The method comprises detecting at least one predetermined activating event; upon detection of the at least one predetermined activating event, activating the transmitter of the contactless key; and transmitting, via the transmitter, a localisation signal.

The vehicle may be associated with a vehicle module and detecting at least one predetermined activating event can then comprise the vehicle module detecting a predetermined activating event; and activating the transmitter of the contactless key can then comprise the vehicle module transmitting an activation signal to the contactless key. The method mays further comprise the vehicle module detecting at least on predetermined deactivation event; and deactivating the transmitter of the contactless key wherein deactivating the transmitter comprises the vehicle module transmitting a deactivation signal to the contactless key.

The at least one predetermined activating event comprises one or more events of: the vehicle associated with the contactless key coming to a stop; the switching on of the engine of the vehicle associated with the contactless key; the switching off of the engine of the vehicle associated with the contactless key; a speed of the vehicle falling below a threshold; a manual input from a user; the detection of a movement of the contactless key relative to the vehicle; and the opening of a door of the vehicle associated with the contactless key.

The method according to any preceding claim further may comprise detecting at least one predetermined deactivation event; and upon detection of the at least one predetermined deactivation event, deactivating the transmitter of the contactless key. The at least one predetermined deactivation event comprises one or more events of: a manual input from a user; a speed of the vehicle reaching, or being above, a threshold; and the key having not moved for a predetermined time.

The contactless key may comprise a motion sensor and the at least one predetermined activating event and/or predetermined deactivation event may comprise an event based on the output of the motion sensor. Transmitting the localisation signal can then comprise detecting movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor; and upon detection of movement of the contactless key, transmitting the localisation signal. The localisation signal may be based on the output of the motion sensor. The output of the motion sensor identifies a relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold and wherein the motion sensor output is provided to the vehicle wherein, optionally, the relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold are provided to the vehicle via the localisation signal.

The vehicle may be associated with a vehicle module and wherein transmitting the localisation signal may comprise transmitting the localisation signal to the vehicle module.

The localisation signal comprises at least one of identifying information for the contactless key and identifying information for the vehicle associated with the contactless key.

The method may further comprise estimating, upon receipt of the localisation signal by one or more receivers associated with the vehicle, the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there has been provided a vehicle module, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle and is for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with the vehicle. The module comprises a module transmitter, one or more module receivers and a module controller. The module controller is configured to detect at least one predetermined activating event; and upon detection of the at least one predetermined activating event, activate the transmitter of the contactless key by transmitting an activation signal via the module transmitter.

The controller may be operable to estimate, upon receipt by the one or more module receivers of a localisation signal transmitted by a contactless key in response to the activation signal, the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.

The controller may be operable to estimate the location of the contactless key based on the localisation signal as received by the one or more module receivers.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, there has been provided a system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle. The system comprises a vehicle module comprising a module transmitter, one or more module receivers and a module controller, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle; and a contactless key comprising a key receiver, a key transmitter and a key controller, the contactless key being associated with the vehicle. The module controller is configured to detect at least one predetermined activating event; and to, upon detection of the at least one of a predetermined activating event, activate the transmitter of the contactless key by transmitting an activation signal via the module transmitter and the key controller is configured to, upon detection of an activation signal received via the key receiver, transmit a localisation signal via the key transmitter.

The module controller may be configured to, upon receipt of the localisation signal by the one or more module receivers, estimate the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there has been provided a contactless key comprising a motion sensor; a key transmitter; and a key controller. The key controller is configured to transmit, via the key transmitter, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor.

The key controller may be configured to transmit a localisation signal comprises the key controller being configured to detect movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor; and upon detection of movement of the contactless key, transmit the localisation signal via the key transmitter. The controller may then be configured to detect movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor when the output of the motion sensor identifies a relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold.

According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure there has been provided a system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle. The system comprises a vehicle module comprising one or more module receivers and a module controller, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle; and a contactless key comprising a motion sensor, a key transmitter and a key controller, the contactless key being associated with the vehicle. The key controller is configured to transmit, via the key transmitter, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor; and the module controller is configured to, upon receipt of the localisation signal by the one or more module receivers, estimate the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there has been provided a vehicle system comprising a vehicle; and any of the systems discussed above, wherein the contactless key of the system is associated with the vehicle and the vehicle module of the system is associated with the vehicle.

Other aspects will also become apparent upon review of the present disclosure, in particular upon review of the Brief description of drawings, Detailed description and Claims sections.

Brief description of drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an example contactless key/vehicle module system, Figure 2 illustrates an example method of locating a contactless key; Figure 3 illustrates another example method of locating a contactless key; Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of key localisation using a plurality of receivers associated with a vehicle; Figure 5 illustrates an example of key location notification in a vehicle; Figure 6 schematically illustrates another example of key localisation using a plurality of receivers associated with a vehicle; Figure 7 illustrates another example of key location notification in a vehicle; Figure 8 illustrates another example contactless key/vehicle module system; Figure 9 illustrates a further example method of locating a contactless key; and Figure 10 illustrates another example method of locating a contactless key.

Detailed description

According to a first example implementation, a system includes a contactless key and a vehicle module, as illustrated in Figure 1 The contactless key 100 comprises a controller 101 (sometimes also referred to as "key controller" in the present disclosure), a motion sensor 102 and a transmitter 103 (sometimes also referred to as "key transmitter" in the present disclosure) while the vehicle module 200 comprises a controller 201 (sometimes also referred to as "module controller" in the present disclosure) and one or more receivers 204 (sometimes also referred to as "module receivers" in the present disclosure). The key 100 and vehicle module 200 may of course comprise additional elements which have not been represented here in the interest of conciseness. The vehicle module 200 is associated with a vehicle. For example, it may be provided as an integral part of the vehicle or it may be a retrofitted onto a vehicle.

The motion sensor 102 of the key 100 is a sensor which can detect or sense movement of the key. Suitable motion sensors include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a compass, a barometer or any combination thereof. In the following, the example of an accelerometer will be used although the present disclosure is intended to encompass all other suitable motion sensors. As the key is contactless, the transmitter comprises at least a wireless transmitter for communicating using a wireless technology. The transmitter 103 may be an RFID, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, WiFi or any combination thereof. Wireless technologies such as WPAN technologies (e.g. RFID or Bluetooth) may be appropriate as these technologies are generally designed to have a low throughput and low energy consumption. However, WLAN (e.g. WFi) or VVMAN (e.g. VViMAX, mobile technologies) technologies may also be used in accordance with the present disclosure. The controller 101 is configured to transmit, via the transmitter 103, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor 102.

The vehicle module 200 comprises one or more receivers 204 which can communicate with the transmitter 103 of the key 100. For example the transmitter 103 and receivers 204 may be an RFID transmitter 103 and RFID receivers 204, respectively. The vehicle module also includes a controller 201 which can estimate the location of the key 100 relative to the vehicle module 200 upon receipt of the localisation signal by the receivers 204.

Figure 2 illustrates an example method of locating a contactless key. For illustrative purposes, the method of Figure 2 will be discussed with reference to the key 100 and vehicle module 200 of Figure 1, although the method is not limited to this specific example of a key/vehicle module system. The method starts and at S201 the key 100 transmits a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor. In one example, if the motion sensor detects movement of the key, the controller 101 can trigger the sending of a localisation message via the transmitter 103. In another example, the controller 101 can cause the transmission of the localisation message when the output of the motion sensor meets some requirements, for instance a magnitude of movement above a threshold in one direction. At step S202, one or more of the module receivers 204 detect the localisation signal transmitted by the key 100. Upon receipt of the localisation signal, the module controller 201 estimates the key location at step S203. The key location may for example be a position or location area within the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, if two or more receivers 204 receive the localisation signal, a location area may be identified as the intersection of the coverage areas for these receivers. In another example, using signal intensity measurements a more precise location can sometimes be achieved and an estimated position of the key can be determined. Optionally, an output may be generated, e.g. by the module controller 201, based on the estimated location. For example, the location may be shown on a display, a sound message or alarm may be output if appropriate (e.g. if a key is detected as leaving the vehicle while the engine is still running), a notification may be sent to a user's phone (e.g. a text message or a message for a mobile app), etc. Figure 3 illustrates another example method of locating a contactless key. As for Figure 2, the method of Figure 3 will be discussed with reference to the key 100 and vehicle module 200 of Figure 1 for illustrative purposes only and the method is not limited to this specific example of a key/vehicle module system. Additionally, for parts of the method of Figure 3 which are the same or similar to those of Figure 2, the teachings and discussion in respect of Figure 2 apply equally to the corresponding element(s) of Figure 3.

In this illustrative example, the vehicle module 200 is associated with a vehicle, the module controller 201 is or is comprised in an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and is able to activate, deactivate or activate a standby mode of a key positioning system for localising a contactless key 100 associated with the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle includes a display on which key location information can be displayed. First, at step S301 the ECU 201 checks for preconditions. Preconditions may for example include the engine being running or switched off, a door being open or closed, a key configuration being set to a specific value, etc. If the relevant precondition(s) is or are met, the method then moves on to step S302. Although not represented in Figure 3, if the preconditions are not met, the method can stop or can wait for the pre-conditions to be met (e.g. by monitoring them) before moving onto step S302. At step S302, the ECU 201 configures the key positioning system to be in standby mode. This may involve changing a configuration of the vehicle module 200 and/or of the key 100.

At step S303, key movements are monitored and if key movement is detected, the method moves to step S304. On the other hand, if no key movement is detected, the system remains in standby mode and the key movements remained monitored. This is illustrated by the arrow returning to step S302. As for the method discussed in respect of Figure 2, the movement detected at step S303 will in some cases have to meet one or more requirements (e.g. a minimum magnitude, a specific direction, etc.) before the method can move to step S304. As previously mentioned, at step S304 the key positioning system is activated with a view to locating the contactless key 100. At S305 the key 100 transmit a localisation signal via the transmitter 103. Then at S306 at least one module receiver 204 detects the localisation signal from the key 100. Based on the signal(s) received by the receiver(s), the ECU 201 estimates the key location (e.g. a key position and/or location area). Once the key location has been estimated, the ECU 201 is configured to have the key location displayed at S308, for example on a display within the vehicle. The method can then stop or, as illustrated by the arrows in dotted line, the method can also return to step S301 or S302.

Accordingly, by using the output of a motion sensor when determining when and/or whether to transmit a localisation signal, the number of situations where the key will transmit a localisation signal can be reduced. This can in turn reduce the energy consumption of the key and increase the key security. This can also reduce the number of situations where a user will receive unnecessary notifications of the key location and where the vehicle module for key localisation will be activated.

Figures 4 and 6 schematically illustrate examples of key localisation using a plurality of receivers associated with a vehicle while Figures 5 and 7 illustrate corresponding examples of key location notification in a vehicle. In the example of Figure 4, the key 100 is represented when in a first position (key 100a) and when in a second position (key 100b). The vehicle 300 is associated with a vehicle module such as those discussed above. The vehicle module comprises four receivers 204 placed in four different positions with respect to the vehicle 300. The module controller 201 can determine or estimate the location of the key 100 based on for example the relative strength of the localisation signal as received by each receiver 204. As shown in Figure 4, when the key moves from one position to another position, the distance between the key 100a/100b and the receivers 204 will change. This will in turn also change the relative strength of the signal received by each of the receivers 204 from the key 100a/100b. Based on the strength of the received signal for each receiver and/or the relative strength compared to the other receivers, the module controller 201 (not represented in Figure 4) can estimate the key position for key 100a and key 100b.

As illustrated in Figure 5, which corresponds to Figure 4, the position of keys 100a, 100b can be displayed on a display 500. The display 500 of Figure 5 can represent the vehicle 300 with shape 530 and can indicate where the estimated location of keys 100a, 100b is relative to the vehicle with dots 510a and 510b (corresponding to keys 100a and 100b, respectively).

The key 100 can be located not only from within the vehicle, but also in the vicinity of the vehicle. So long as the key is within the range of at least one receiver 204, some information can be retrieved as to the estimated position of the key 100 relative to the vehicle 300. For example, in the example illustrated in Figure 6, the key 100 is no longer inside the vehicle 300 but is still within the range of receivers 204 such that the receivers 204 can receive the localisation signal emitted by the transmitter 103 of key 100. As a result, the position of the key 100 can be estimated by the module controller 201 and can thus also be displayed the position 510 with respect to the representation 530 of vehicle 300 on display 500, as illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 8 illustrates another example contactless key/vehicle module system. In this example, the key 100 includes a controller 101, a transmitter 103 and a receiver 104 (sometimes also referred to as "key receiver" in the present disclosure). On the other hand, the vehicle module comprises a controller 201, a transmitter 203 (sometimes also referred to as "module transmitter" in the present disclosure) and one or more receivers 204. The key transmitter 103, key receiver 104, module transmitter 203 and module receivers 204 may be able to communicate with each other using the same wireless technology as this provides for the key transmitter 103 to be able to communicate with the module receivers 204 and for the key receiver 104 to be able to communicate with the module transmitter 203. The comments and teachings made in respect of Figure 1 apply correspondingly to Figure 8 and in particular to the transmitters 103, 203 and receivers 104, 204. Accordingly, the contactless key 100 of Figure 8 is operable to transmit signals wirelessly, as well as to receive such signals. Likewise, the vehicle module 200 is also operable to transmit and receive wireless signals.

Figure 9 illustrates a further example method of locating a contactless key. At first, it is checked whether one or more predetermined event(s) has occurred at step S901. For example, it may be checked whether a door has been opened, whether an engine has been started and/or whether an engine has been stopped. If the event(s) has not occurred, the method keeps monitoring for the event(s) or the method can stop (not represented on Figure 9). If the relevant event or events have occurred, the method then moves on to step S902 where an activation signal is transmitted. The activation signal can be transmitted by the transmitter 203 of the vehicle module 200. Then, once the key 100 detects the activation signal at S903, the key 100 transmits a localisation signal at step S904. The activation signal can be received via the key receiver 104 and the localisation signal can be transmitted via the key transmitter 103. Based on the localisation signal, the key location can be estimated at 3905. Of course, for methods steps of Figure 9 which are the same or similar to those of Figures 2 or 3, the teachings and discussion made in respect of these Figures apply equally to the corresponding step(s) of Figure 9.

Figure 10 illustrates another example method of locating a contactless key. The method starts at S1001 where pre-conditions are checked for. For example, it may be checked one or more of whether the engine is running or stopped, whether a driver is seated in the driver seat, whether a passenger is present in the car, whether an option has been activated or not, etc. If the relevant pre-conditions are met, the method moves on to S1002 where the key positioning system is set up in the standby mode. In this mode, it is checked whether a vehicle door is opened as step 31003. At this step, the door for which opening is monitored may be any door of the vehicle, the driver's door or any one of a subset of vehicle doors (e.g. front doors, back doors, left doors, etc...). If this condition is not met, the key positioning system remains in standby mode. If however this condition is met at S1003, the method moves on to S1004 where the key positioning system is activated at 31004. An activation signal is then transmitted by the vehicle (e.g. by the vehicle module associated with the vehicle) to activate the key 100. Based on the response of the key 100 to the activation signal sent at S1005, the module controller 201 identifies the key 100 and estimates its location at step S1006. The estimated key location is then transmitted to the vehicle screen or display (S1007) and the key location is displayed on the screen (S1008). The method may then end or, as illustrated by the dotted arrows, return to S1001 or to S1002. Naturally, for methods steps of Figure 10 which are the same or similar to those of Figures 2, 3 or 9, the teachings and discussion made in respect of these Figures apply equally to the corresponding step(s) of Figure 10.

The key location can therefore be determined or estimated when a vehicle door is opened with a view to avoiding a situation where a driver or passenger can leave the vehicle with the key without noticing it. It can be particularly problematic if this happens when an engine is running while the driver leaves with the key to let another driver take the wheel. In effect, the new driver may drive off with the vehicle not knowing he/she does not have the vehicle key. If the engine is then stopped (whether intentionally or unintentionally), then the driver would not be able to start the engine again or possibly to even lock the doors to keep the vehicle secure. Accordingly, with a method as discussed in respect of Figures 9 or 10, the risk of this situation happening can be significantly reduced. For example the arrangement of the present disclosure may be set up so as to notify the key position when it is estimated that a driver is or likely to leave the vehicle -e.g. when the driver's door is opened. In a case where the driver has the key with him, the key can for example be shown as moving away from the vehicle with a display similar to that of Figures 5 and 7 and/or a sound can be emitted to notify that the key is moving away from the vehicle.

Therefore there has now been provided a method of using a contactless key for key localisation, a contactless key for key localisation and a vehicle module for key location wherein the key localisation can be carried out at selected times which can be helpful when trying to avoid situations where the key is removed from the vehicle or moved within the vehicle without the driver noticing. Accordingly, the activation of the key transmitter at relevant moments in time helps reducing the energy consumption of the key and therefore increases the key's battery life.

Additionally, by controlling when the key localisation signal is activated, it enables a targeted used of key localisation capabilities to situations where it is most likely to be useful, such as when the key is unintentionally left behind or when a person walks off with the key.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the transmission of a localisation signal may also be controlled using a deactivation or deactivating signal. For example, if one or more certain deactivation or deactivating events or preconditions occur, a deactivating signal may be used to instruct the contactless key not to send any localisation signal. If for example it is believed that the vehicle is travelling with the key inside the vehicle and if the key includes a motion sensor, it may be desirable to deactivate the key transmitter so that it does not transmit localisation signals as a result of the vehicle's movements. As mentioned below, pre-conditions may also be used. In one example, the system may for example deactivate the key while the vehicle is travelling while in another example pre-conditions may be checked for (e.g. "is the vehicle travelling?") before the activation signal is sent to the key transmitter. In yet another example, the system may use any combination of activation signals, deactivation signals and pre-conditions checks.

The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims, both singly and multiply dependent, is expressly contemplated but is not necessarily described in detail for the sake of brevity. The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is intended to be descriptive rather than 30!imitative. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described in respect of example implementations. In particular the present disclosure is intended to include any possible combination of one or more features discussed in any part of the description, drawings and/or claims with one or more features discussed in any other part of the description, drawings and/or claims, provided that the combination can be done technically.

Some example modifications, generalisations and/or combinations are discussed below although the discussion of these variations does not constitute an exhaustive list of all possible modifications, generalisations or combinations but merely an explicit discussion of some of these variations.

In one example, the examples of Figures 1-3 can be combined with the examples of Figures 8- 10. The key 100 may for example include a key controller 101, a motion sensor 102, a key transmitter 103 and a key receiver 104. Once the key positioning system is in standby mode (see for example S302 and S1002), the key positioning system may for example be activated if one or more events occur (S901, S1003) or ("or" being either exclusive or non-exclusive) if the motion sensor 102 detects that the key 100 is moving. Alternatively or additionally, the key positioning system may in some situations be activated if, within the same time window, one or more events occur and the motion sensor 102 detects that the key 100 is moving. For example, if the driver's door is opened and if the key is detected as moving, a notification may be output. Accordingly, corresponding independent and dependent claims may for example be combined regardless of this combination being expressly recited in the claim numbering and dependencies.

As used herein, the term location is intended to include one or more of a position, a location area and/or any combination of these. For example, the location may include different tiers of location information each with a different probability. As an illustration, the key location may include a first location area with a probability of P1, a second more restricted location area with a probability of P2 and a position with a probability P3 with P1 a P2 a P3. For example, P1 can be 100% if the first location area is the intersection of the coverage area for each of the module receiver(s) 204 having received the localisation signal of the key 100. The second location area may be calculated for a probability of P2 =50% (assuming that P3 is 50% or less) or for a probability halfway between P1 and P3. The probability P3 can for example be calculated for the estimated position of the key 100. In some cases, location information can be determined so as to meet a specific probability while in other cases, location information can be determined (e.g. to be of a specific size or type) and the corresponding probability may then be calculated. Although in the present disclosure a position (i.e. generally referring to a point) has been differentiated from a location area (having at least two dimensions), the position can also be view of a relatively small location area such that the teachings provided in respect of a location area apply equally to a position.

Although the location of the key has generally been discussed as a 2D location on a plane or map which corresponds to the vehicle being seen from above, the location may also be estimated in 3D, including for example a height dimension corresponding to the height dimension of the vehicle and/or to a vertical direction. In the case of a 3D location, a location area may for example be any 3D shape in which the key is expected to be. Likewise, the display of the estimated location of the key may be display the estimated key location with respect to the vehicle when viewed from above and with respect to a direction perpendicular to this. In one example, two different representations of the vehicle may be used to show the estimated key location, for example one view from above or below and one viewed from a side, the front or back of the vehicle. In another example, the representation of the vehicle may include displaying a 3D model of the vehicle with the corresponding estimated key location displayed on it.

VVhenever reference is made to a position or location of the key 100 in the present disclosure, unless the position refers to the actual position or location of the key, the terms position and locations should be understood as encompassing an estimated, calculated, determined, expected and/or probable position or location (respectively) of the key.

The location of the key may be determined based on any appropriate method. The location may be determined for example based on which module receiver or receivers can detect the localisation signal from the key. The location may also be determined based on a relative strength of the localisation signal as received by the module receiver(s). The location may also be determined using location information provided by the key in the localisation signal, e.g. an absolute position (e.g. based on a GPS geo-localisation) and/or a relative position (e.g. relative to one or more elements or emitters of the vehicle).

When a method is discussed in the present disclosure with steps carried out in a specific order, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that method steps may be carried out in any other order and/or in parallel, provided that the change of order is technically achievable. For example, in some implementations, the key positioning system may first be set up to be in standby mode and then will only be activated if an event occurs, motion of the key is detected and/or pre-conditions are met. These steps to be carried out before the positioning system is activated may be carried out in any order or in parallel and can for example be viewed as a single pre-activation check for the relevant pre-conditions and/or event occurrence.

Pre-conditions mentioned herein can be a condition can relate to a state or configuration of the key, a state or configuration of the vehicle, a user presence or absence in the vehicle or in an area of the vehicle, a user preference or any other suitable conditions. For example it may be checked whether the key is set up to be in monitoring mode, if this option is available. Even though a check for one pre-condition has been previously discussed, more than one precondition can be checked for. For example a first check may be carried out to check that the user has not manually deactivated the key localisation system and a second check may be carried out to check that at least one of the following conditions is met: (a) the engine is running and (b) the vehicle speed is above a threshold. In cases where pre-conditions are checked for, they may be check for before the key positioning system is set up to be in standby mode, before the key positioning system is set up to be in active mode or at any other appropriate time.

The type of event that can be monitored for be varied and may include events such as a door opening, a door being open, an engine starting, an engine stopping, a driver sitting on the driver seat, a driver getting up from the driver seat, a passenger sitting on a passenger seat, a passenger getting up from a passenger seat, key movement being detected, a seat belt being fastened or unfastened, an interior light being turned on or off, etc. In cases where the key includes a motion sensor that can detect absolute movement of the key, as opposed to a relative movement of the key (e.g. relative to the vehicle), the pre-condition(s) and/or event(s) check may be configured such that the key positioning system is not activated every time the vehicle is moving, accelerating and/or slowing down. Accordingly, significant battery power can be saved for the key while reducing the risk of distracting the driver from the driving of the vehicle, in particular when driving at higher speed, thereby increasing safety. For example, one pre-condition may be that the vehicle is stopped or that the vehicle speed is below a specific threshold. The threshold may be low, for example between 1 and 10 km/h (e.g. 5km/h), as this would include cases where the vehicle is either immobile or close to being immobile so as to try to capture situations where the vehicle has stopped or may be stopping. Accordingly, when the vehicle is moving at a higher speed, key movement would not trigger the key positioning system to be activated by considering, for example, that movement of the key is likely to be cause by movement of the vehicle. Using this or other methods, the module controller or key controller may be configured to estimate whether a detected movement of the key is likely to correspond to movement relative to the vehicle. In cases where movement of the key is not expected to correspond to movement relative to the vehicle, the movement of the key does not activate the key positioning system. This can be done for example by the vehicle module transmitting a pause or idle signal to the key so that the key stops movement detection (e.g. when the vehicle speed is higher than a threshold) and transmitting a resume or standby signal to the key when movement detection can be resumed (e.g. when the vehicle speed falls below the same or a different threshold). The threshold(s) can be as discussed above.

In another example, in order to obtain a relative position of the key with respect to the vehicle, the movement of the key can be compared with the movement of the vehicle so as to estimate whether the key is moving relative to the vehicle. In this example, a threshold may be used to determine whether the key movement will lead to the key localisation system being activated. For example, if the key relative movement is under a threshold, then the localisation system is not activated and/or a pause signal may be transmitted to indicate that the key localisation system is paused. If however the key relative movement is above the threshold, the key localisation system may then be activated so as to localise the key. For example, an activation or resume signal may be transmitted. For example, a threshold may be based on the magnitude of displacement of the key, regardless of the direction. The relative movement of the key may also be treated differently depending on the direction of the movement. A first threshold may be provided for the displacement of the key in a horizontal plane and a second threshold may be used for the displacement of the key in a vertical direction. In some cases, a vertical movement of the key may indicate that key localisation is desired as the key may have fallen from a pocket or between seats or as the key holder may be getting up and potentially leaving with the key.

For the ease of description, the key positioning system has been described as being either active, in standby or deactivated. As the skilled person will understand, viewed from a different perspective, the key positioning system can be seen as being always running with activation signals and/or localisation signals being transmitted only when the relevant conditions are and/or the relevant events occur. Also, the key and vehicle module may both be automatically or manually configurable to be in localisation mode or not.

The signals may provide any relevant information. For example, the signals may be include minimal information and only include information identifying the type of signal (e.g. activation signal, localisation signal, etc.). In other example, it may include additional information such as a key and/or vehicle identifier. For example, if key identifying information and vehicle identifying information is included in a localisation signal, only the relevant vehicle may process this message and this vehicle may also be able to process messages from one or more keys separately. As an illustration, a localisation signal may include separate key and vehicle identifiers or combined identifier: for vehicle "VEH001", two associated key may for example have "VEHOO1KEY01" and "VEHOO1KEY02" as identifiers. The signals may also be generated using any appropriate security and error corrections methods. For example, the signals may be generated to avoid eavesdropping using encryption and error correction codes, such as CRC, may be included to help any error in transmission with a view to maintaining data integrity.

Once the key location has been estimated, the system may output an appropriate notification or take the relevant action. For example, if it is estimated that the key is moving away from the vehicle and that no other passenger remains in or in the vicinity of the vehicle for a certain time, the module controller may be configured to lock the vehicle so as to avoid a third party entering the vehicle without authorisation. On the other hand, if it is estimated that the key is moving away from the vehicle while a passenger remains in or around the vehicle, a notification may be output instead. In other words, the notification output and/or action taken can be dependent on the situation or on the estimated situation. A notification may be any appropriate notification, including one or more of: changing a display; displaying an estimation key location; displaying a message; sending a message to a phone (e.g. sms), an application (e.g. smartphone app), or any other suitable party; outputting a sound (e.g. alarm, message read out loud, etc.), changing a use of vehicle lights (e.g. flashing at least some of the vehicle's front and rear lights), etc. Actions that can be taken include locking the doors, closing windows, stop the engine if running, etc. It is noteworthy that outputting a notification can also be viewed as taking an action such that it can then be included as a possible action to be taken if appropriate.

Additionally, the system may be configured to carry out actions if certain preconditions (e. .g including key location pre-conditions) are met. For example, if it is estimated that a first vehicle key is moving away from the vehicle (e.g. based on a motion sensor output and/or following the detection of a door opening), the system or module may be configured to check for an additional vehicle key or to immobilise the car. For example, if it is estimated that the key is moving away from the vehicle and/or is farther from the vehicle (or from any of the one or more receivers) than a predetermined maximum distance while the engine is running, the engine may be turned off, or vehicle may be put in a mode where a driver cannot engage any gears and/or cannot drive off with the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, if certain pre-conditions are met, it may be possible to only output a notification/take any action when it is detected that a key is believed to be moving away from the vehicle and when no other key is believed to be in or in the vicinity of the vehicle.

As used in the present disclosure, the term vehicle is intended to cover any mobile machine that is generally expected to be controlled (e.g. driven, piloted, rode, navigated, etc.) by a person or user (e.g driver or pilot), such as a car, motorcycle, a lorry, a boat, a plane, etc. For the ease of representation and of discussion, the transmitter and receiver of the present invention have been described as separate logical elements. This representation is however not intended to be limiting for the physical implementation of these elements and they may for example be implemented in the form of a single transceiver which can for example provide a single wireless interface for sending and receiving wireless signals. Likewise, the various apparatus elements discussed in the present disclosure have been presented mainly from a logical perspective. While the physical implementation of these elements may correspond to the logical representation discussed herein, in other examples, the physical implementation may differ from this logical representation. For example, one element may be implemented as a plurality of physical elements (e.g. a controller may comprise a CPU, a plurality of CPUs or a plurality of CPU cores) and other elements may be implemented as a single elements (see the mention of a transceiver above). Any suitable physical implementation corresponding to the logical elements discussed herein and providing the functions or features discussed herein are intended to be fully within the scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the representations of apparatuses provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting and these apparatuses may include additional elements. For example a key may comprise one or more buttons and an energy source such as a battery, and a vehicle module may comprise wired interface.

The term "or" is intended to explicitly disclose both an exclusive or and a non-exclusive choice and the expression "and/or" is sometimes used to emphasise that both exclusive and nonexclusive options are considered.

As used in the present disclosure, the singular forms "a" "an" and "the" are intended to include plural references unless expressly and unequivocally limited to the singular form. In turn, the expression "one or more" is intended to encompass "one" and "a plurality of'.

As used herein, the terms "include" and "comprise" are intended to be non-exhaustive inclusion, such that one or more items which are included or comprised in a list do not necessarily limit the list to these items only to the exclusion of other items. For example, only these items or these and additional items may be included in the list.

As used herein, the terms "based on" are intended to mean "based at least on" and are thus not used to provide an exhaustive list.

Additionally, the use of "module" or "key" in the expressions module/key controller, module/key receiver or module/key transmitter does not impart any limiting features on the controller, receiver or transmitter and could for example be read as "first" and "second". These expressions are used for the sake of clarity with a view to clearly identifying which of the controllers, receivers or transmitters is referred to.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method of using a contactless key for key localisation, the contactless key being associated with a vehicle and comprising a transmitter, wherein the method comprises: detecting at least one predetermined activating event; upon detection of the at least one predetermined activating event, activating the transmitter of the contactless key; and transmitting, via the transmitter, a localisation signal.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is associated with a vehicle module and wherein: detecting at least one predetermined activating event comprises the vehicle module detecting a predetermined activating event; and activating the transmitter of the contactless key comprises the vehicle module transmitting an activation signal to the contactless key.
3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising: the vehicle module detecting at least on predetermined deactivation event; and deactivating the transmitter of the contactless key wherein deactivating the transmitter comprises the vehicle module transmitting a deactivation signal to the contactless key.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one predetermined activating event comprises one or more events of: the vehicle associated with the contactless key coming to a stop; the switching on of the engine of the vehicle associated with the contactless key; the switching off of the engine of the vehicle associated with the contactless key; a speed of the vehicle falling below a threshold; a manual input from a user; the detection of a movement of the contactless key relative to the vehicle; and the opening of a door of the vehicle associated with the contactless key.
5. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising: detecting at least one predetermined deactivation event; and upon detection of the at least one predetermined deactivation event, deactivating the transmitter of the contactless key.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one predetermined deactivation event comprises one or more events of: a manual input from a user; a speed of the vehicle reaching, or being above, a threshold; and the key having not moved for a predetermined time.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the contactless key comprises a motion sensor and wherein the at least one predetermined activating event and/or predetermined deactivation event comprises an event based on the output of the motion sensor. 10
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein transmitting the localisation signal comprises: detecting movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor; and upon detection of movement of the contactless key, transmitting the localisation signal.
9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the localisation signal is based on the output of the motion sensor.
10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the output of the motion sensor identifies a relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold and wherein the motion sensor output is provided to the vehicle.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold are provided to the vehicle via the localisation signal.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle is associated with a vehicle module and wherein transmitting the localisation signal comprises transmitting the localisation signal to the vehicle module.
13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the localisation signal comprises at least one of identifying information for the contactless key and identifying information for the vehicle associated with the contactless key.
14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: estimating, upon receipt of the localisation signal by one or more receivers associated with the vehicle, the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.
15. A vehicle module, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle and is for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with the vehicle, the module comprising: a module transmitter, one or more module receivers and a module controller, wherein the module controller is configured to: detect at least one predetermined activating event; and upon detection of the at least one predetermined activating event, activate the transmitter of the contactless key by transmitting an activation signal via the module transmitter.
16. The vehicle module of claim 15, wherein the controller is operable to estimate, upon receipt by the one or more module receivers of a localisation signal transmitted by a contactless key in response to the activation signal, the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.
17. The vehicle module of claim 15 or 16, wherein the controller is operable to estimate the location of the contactless key based on the localisation signal as received by the one or more module receivers.
18. A system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle module comprising a module transmitter, one or more module receivers and a module controller, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle; and a contactless key comprising a key receiver, a key transmitter and a key controller, the contactless key being associated with the vehicle; wherein the module controller is configured to detect at least one predetermined activating event; and to, upon detection of the at least one of a predetermined activating event, activate the transmitter of the contactless key by transmitting an activation signal via the module transmitter; the key controller is configured to, upon detection of an activation signal received via the key receiver, transmit a localisation signal via the key transmitter.
19. A system according to claim 18 wherein the module controller is configured to, upon receipt of the localisation signal by the one or more module receivers, estimate the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.
20. A contactless key comprising: a motion sensor; a key transmitter and a key controller, wherein the key controller is configured to transmit, via the key transmitter, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor.
21. A contactless key according to claim 20, wherein the key controller being configured to transmit a localisation signal comprises the key controller being configured to: detect movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor; and upon detection of movement of the contactless key, transmit the localisation signal via the key transmitter.
22. A contactless key according to claim 21, wherein the key controller is configured to detect movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor when the output of the motion sensor identifies a relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold
23. A system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle module comprising one or more module receivers and a module controller, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle; and a contactless key comprising a motion sensor, a key transmitter and a key controller, the contactless key being associated with the vehicle; wherein: the key controller is configured to transmit, via the key transmitter, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor; the module controller is configured to, upon receipt of the localisation signal by the one or more module receivers, estimate the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.
24. A vehicle system comprising: a vehicle; and a system according to any one of claims 18, 19 and 23, wherein the contactless key of the system is associated with the vehicle and the vehicle module of the system is associated with the vehicle.
25. A method of using a contactless key for key localisation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. A contactless key, a vehicle module and a system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: ^^*,...^^^*^CLAIMS1. Method of using a contactless key having a motion sensor for key localisation, the contactless key being associated with a vehicle and comprising a transmitter, wherein the method comprises: detecting at least one predetermined activating event wherein the at least one predetermined activating event comprises an event based on the output of the motion sensor; upon detection of the at least one predetermined activating event, activating the transmitter of the contactless key; and transmitting, via the transmitter, a localisation signal if the motion sensor detects movement of the contactless key.2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is associated with a vehicle module and wherein: detecting at least one predetermined activating event comprises the vehicle module detecting a predetermined activating event; and activating the transmitter of the contactless key comprises the vehicle module transmitting an activation signal to the contactless key.3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising: the vehicle module detecting at least on predetermined deactivation event; and deactivating the transmitter of the contactless key wherein deactivating the transmitter comprises the vehicle module transmitting a deactivation signal to the contactless key.4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one predetermined activating event comprises one or more events of: the vehicle associated with the contactless key coming to a stop; the switching on of the engine of the vehicle associated with the contactless key; the switching off of the engine of the vehicle associated with the contactless key; a speed of the vehicle falling below a threshold; a manual input from a user; the detection of a movement of the contactless key relative to the vehicle; and the opening of a door of the vehicle associated with the contactless key.5. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising: detecting at least one predetermined deactivation event; and upon detection of the at least one predetermined deactivation event, deactivating the transmitter of the contactless key.6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one predetermined deactivation event comprises one or more events of: a manual input from a user; a speed of the vehicle reaching, or being above, a threshold; and the key having not moved for a predetermined time.7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined deactivation event comprises an event based on the output of the motion sensor.A method according to claim 7, wherein transmitting the localisation signal comprises: detecting movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor; and upon detection of movement of the contactless key, transmitting the localisation signal.9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the localisation signal is based on the output of the motion sensor.10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the output of the motion sensor identifies a relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold and wherein the motion sensor output is provided to the vehicle.11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold are provided to the vehicle via the localisation signal.12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle is associated with a vehicle module and wherein transmitting the localisation signal comprises transmitting the localisation signal to the vehicle module.13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the localisation signal comprises at least one of identifying information for the contactless key and identifying information for the vehicle associated with the contactless key.14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: estimating, upon receipt of the localisation signal by one or more receivers associated with the vehicle, the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.15. A contactless key comprising: a motion sensor; a key transmitter; and a key controller, wherein the key controller is configured to transmit, via the key transmitter, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor.16. A contactless key according to claim 15, wherein the key controller being configured to transmit a localisation signal comprises the key controller being configured to: detect movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor; and upon detection of movement of the contactless key, transmit the localisation signal via the key transmitter.17. A contactless key according to claim 16, wherein the key controller is configured to detect movement of the contactless key based on the output of the motion sensor when the cr) output of the motion sensor identifies a relative movement and/or distance above a predetermined threshold.18. A system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle module comprising one or more module receivers and a module controller, wherein the vehicle module is associated with a vehicle; and a contactless key comprising a motion sensor, a key transmitter and a key controller, the contactless key being associated with the vehicle; wherein: the key controller is configured to transmit, via the key transmitter, a localisation signal based on the output of the motion sensor; the module controller is configured to, upon receipt of the localisation signal by the one or more module receivers, estimate the location of the contactless key relative to the vehicle.19. A vehicle system comprising: a vehicle; and a system according to claim 18, wherein the contactless key of the system is associated with the vehicle and the vehicle module of the system is associated with the vehicle.20. A method of using a contactless key for key localisation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.21. A contactless key, a vehicle module and a system for detecting the location of a contactless key associated with a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.