VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR ACTIVATING A VEHICLE COMPONENT

• US 20150120151A1
• Filed: 10/29/2013
• Published: 04/30/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG), Volkswagen AG
• Original Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG), Volkswagen AG
• Inventors: McCLAIN, Megan, AKAY, Sinan, RILL, Florian, STEINER, Tobias
• Granted Patent: US 9,499,125 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/49
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/101 Bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/01 operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence

Abstract

A vehicle system for activating at least one vehicle component to provide access to a vehicle. A first receiver is operative to obtain a wireless signal at least comprising first identification data of an electronic device; a memory device storing at least second identification data; at least a second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key, and the at least second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key if the first identification data match the at least second identification data.

Claims

1. A vehicle system for activating at least one vehicle component to provide access to a vehicle, the vehicle system comprising:

a first receiver operative to obtain a wireless signal at least comprising first identification data of an electronic device;

a memory storing at least second identification data; and

at least a second receiver operative to check a presence of a matching vehicle access key, the second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key if the first identification data match the at least second identification data.

2. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the first receiver or the at least second receiver is operative to obtain a wireless signal comprising data for a vehicle open instruction for a vehicle door, a vehicle trunk lid, a fuel filler, electrical charging port door release, an electrical charging plug release, at least one window, a sunroof, or a convertible roof system.

3. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the first receiver or the at least second receiver is operative to obtain a wireless signal comprising data for a vehicle system preference.

4. The vehicle system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle system preference comprises data for a navigation system, a radio or infotainment system, a climate control, a seat adjustment, a steering wheel adjustment, or at least one driver assistance system.

5. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the first receiver is a Bluetooth low energy receiver.

6. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the at least second receiver is operable to be switched from a first to a second operation mode based on a signal from the first receiver.

7. The vehicle system of claim 6, wherein the first operation mode of the at least second receiver uses no power in the first operation mode or less power compared to the second operation mode of this receiver.

8. The vehicle system of claim 1, further comprising:

a vehicle camera; and

an image recognition device;

wherein the vehicle system is operable to take at least one image or a video by the vehicle camera,

wherein the image recognition device is operative to check for a person or a person'"'"'s predefined gesture in the image or video, and

wherein, if a person or a predefined gesture of a person is recognized and a matching vehicle access key is received by the second receiver, the vehicle system initiates at least one vehicle control command.

9. The vehicle system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle control command includes:

open an automatic tailgate or vehicle door;

turn on at least one exterior or interior light;

or power on a vehicle radio or infotainment system.

10. A vehicle that includes the system of claim 1.

11. A method of activating at least one vehicle component to provide access to a vehicle, the method comprising:

receiving a wireless signal containing first identification data by a first vehicle receiver; and

comparing the first identification data to second identification data stored in a memory device of the vehicle,

wherein, if the first identification data matches the second identification data, a check is made for a presence of a matching vehicle access key in a reception range of at least a second vehicle receiver.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first vehicle receiver receives additional data concerning at least one vehicle system preference or comprising at least one vehicle control command for activating at least one vehicle component.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first identification data is sent from a portable electronic device with a wireless interface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone, a smart watch, or smart glasses.