Docking terminal and system for controlling vehicle functions

• US 8,706,318 B2
• Filed: 12/03/2010
• Issued: 04/22/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Jauch, Stefan, Rombach, Gerhard
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheung, Mary
• Assistant Examiner(s): MAZZARA, ANNE MARIE
• Application Number:
  US13/513,804
• Publication Number:
  US 20120303177A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,236 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network

Abstract

A docking terminal for controlling a plurality of vehicle functions of a motor vehicle by a control device connected to the vehicle, including a wireless data exchange with a control device, an input unit, and an energy store. A greater range of functions, which can also include control of safety-relevant vehicle functions, is facilitated by the connection of the wireless data exchange to a data processing system integrated in the docking terminal. The system is designed to use at least one cryptologic method.

Claims

1. A docking terminal for holding a mobile terminal that controls a plurality of vehicle functions of a motor vehicle via respective controllers that are connected to the vehicle, the docking terminal comprising:

a housing;

a wireless data interchange coupled to a data processing unit integrated in the mobile terminal that uses at least one cryptological method;

an input apparatus configured to provide input for the plural vehicle functions; and

an energy store to power the docking terminal,

wherein the data processing unit is connected to at least one additional security apparatus integrated in the docking terminal, the additional security apparatus comprising housing protection, the housing protection being adapted to recognize opening of the housing and initiate at least one security measure, wherein the at least one security measure comprises at least one of erasure of security-relevant data and disabling of the docketing terminal.

2. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the docking terminal has an integrated display apparatus.

3. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the docking terminal comprises a data memory.

4. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one of the cryptological methods is used exclusively for transmitting control commands for operating a vehicle locking system.

5. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data processing unit is configured to transmit control commands for further apparatuses that are connected to the vehicle via the wireless data interchange.

6. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data processing unit is designed to use the at least one cryptological method not exclusively for transmitting control commands for operating a vehicle locking system.

7. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data processing unit at least one of actuates and activates functions of an onboard computer and undertakes functions of the onboard computer.

8. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the docking terminal is at least one of a mobile telephone and a PDA.

9. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an interface, integrated in the docking terminal, connected to the data processing unit configured to one or more of read and write to one or more of cards and mobile storage media.

10. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 9, wherein the interface is a reading unit for reading driver cards.

11. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the docking terminal is configured for keyless identification.

12. The docking terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless data interchange is configured for automatic deactivation in driving mode.

13. A system for mobile actuation of vehicle functions comprising:

a docking terminal having;

a housing;

a wireless data interchange connected to a data processing unit integrated in a mobile terminal that uses at least one cryptological method;

an input apparatus; and

an energy store, wherein the data processing unit is connected to at least one additional security apparatus integrated in the docking terminal, the additional security apparatus comprising housing protection, the housing protection being adapted to recognize opening of the housing and initiate at least one security measure, wherein the at least one security measure comprises at least one of erasure of security-relevant data and disabling of the docketing terminal; and

a controller, which is one of connected and connectable to the vehicle, for data interchange with the docking terminal using cryptological methods,

wherein the controller outputs control signals to target appliances based on operation of the docking terminal.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the controller is at least one of an instrument and a tachograph, wherein the at least one of the instrument and the tachograph is part of a combined appliance.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the mobile terminal and the docking terminal are configured to be connected to one another by a one or more of a cable and a plug connection.

16. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the system comprises the docking terminal configured as one of an instrument, a tachograph, and a controller.

17. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the system contains at least two docking terminals.