WO2005050961A1

WO2005050961A1 - Vehicle communications

Info

Publication number: WO2005050961A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/004789
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matt Holmes
Original assignee: Nissan Technical Centre Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2003-11-15
Filing date: 2004-11-15
Publication date: 2005-06-02
Also published as: GB2420059A; GB2409611B; GB0425086D0; GB0600963D0; GB2409611A; GB2420059B; GB0326660D0; EP1695530A1

Abstract

A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mobile communications device, detection means for detecting whether the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion and for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands-free system or the like and control means for at least partially disabling the device in the event that it is determined that the vehicle ignition is switched on and the device is not connected to the hands free system. The control means may be arranged to disable at least one of the telephone keypad, microphone or speaker. This hinders or prevents the user from using the device in a non hands-free manner whilst driving the vehicle.

Description

VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS

The present invention is concerned with vehicle communications and to improvements in or relating to the use of mobile telephones or other wireless communication devices within vehicles such as automobiles or the like. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, related to a system and method for restricting the use of such communication devices within the vehicle. The invention also relates to a communications device and to a vehicle having such a system or device.

It is well known that the careless use of hand-held communications devices, such as mobile telephones or the like, whilst driving is a significant cause of road traffic accidents. The use of a mobile telephone whilst driving can lead to the driver losing concentration and, potentially, control of the vehicle. This is particularly the case where the mobile telephone is hand-held since not only is the driver forced to control the vehicle with one hand but, for some reason, driver concentration tends to become more focussed on the telephone conversation than in the case where the telephone is being used in a hands-free manner.

To combat this problem, vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket retailers provide so-called "hands-free" kits or systems which can be installed in the vehicle and permit the telephone to be used whilst driving without the need to hold or operate the telephone manually. In one form of hands-free kit, dictation from the driver is picked up by a microphone in the vehicle whilst speech from the other party is delivered, via the telephone, through the loudspeakers of the vehicle audio system.

Systems such as this are well known in the art and are becoming increasingly common. Indeed, a number of countries have now passed legislation that makes it illegal to operate a hand-held mobile telephone whilst driving. Such legislation is obviously beneficial in reducing the number of accidents caused by mobile telephone usage but the policing of these laws is extremely difficult. Many drivers, perhaps unable to meet the cost of installing a hands-free kit within their vehicle, continue to use their telephones manually whilst driving.

It is an aim of the invention to address this problem.

According to one aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a communications system for a vehicle, the system comprising a mobile communications device, first detection means for detecting whether the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion, second detection means for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands free system or the like and control means for at least partially disabling the device in dependence thereon.

Advantageously, if the detection means determines that the device is not connected to a hands free system or the like and that the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion, the control means may be arranged to disable the device such that it is not possible for the user to operate the device manually. The system provides the advantage that it becomes impossible for the user to use the mobile telephone whilst driving the vehicle unless it is connected to the hands free system.

In one embodiment, the control means permits only emergency or "999" calls to be made from the device when the device is not connected to the hands free system.

The vehicle may be provided with a transmitter arrangement for transmitting an information signal indicative of whether the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion. The transmitter may be connected to and controlled by a vehicle control unit such as a so-called Body Control Unit (BCU) which is arranged to monitor vehicle operation.

The first detection means may include a receiver arrangement for receiving the information signal from the transmitter arrangement in the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the control means is arranged to disable the keypad of the device thereby to prevent the sending of outgoing calls or to hinder or substantially prevent manual operation of the device. In one embodiment, the control means is arranged to divert incoming calls to the device whilst the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion.

Diversion of incoming calls may be made after a predetermined length of time, for example ten seconds or less. This permits the user sufficient time to connect the device to the hands free kit and answer the incoming call before it is diverted. Prior to diverting the mcoming call, the control means may be arranged to play a pre-recorded message to the user to the effect that the user is driving and unable to receive the call.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication system for a vehicle, the system comprising a mobile communication device, detection means for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands free kit or the like and control means for hindering or preventing the vehicle from being driven in dependence thereon.

In one embodiment, the control means prevents the vehicle ignition from being switched on unless the device is connected to the hands free kit or the like. In another embodiment, the control means prevents the vehicle engine from being started unless the device is connected to the hands free kit. The control means may include a first transponder means provided in the vehicle for generating and transmitting a first signal when the user attempts to switch the vehicle ignition on. The control means may additionally include a second transponder means provided in the device for receiving the first signal and for generating and transmitting a second signal if the detection means determines that the device is connected to the hands free kit. On receiving the second signal, the first transponder means communicates with a control unit in the vehicle which permits the vehicle ignition to be switched on and or the engine to be started.

If the detection means determines that the device is not connected to the hands free kit, the second transponder means generates and transmits a tliird signal. On receiving the third signal, the first transponder means communicates with the control unit in the vehicle which prevents the vehicle ignition from being switched on and/or the engine started. In this case, the control unit may cause a visible or audible alert signal to the user.

In one embodiment, the device may comprise a mobile telephone or the like.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile telephone or the like having first detection means for detecting whether the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion, second detection means for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands-free system or the like and control means for at least partially disabling the device in dependence thereon.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle having a communications system or a mobile telephone as set out in the preceding paragraphs. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a mobile communications device in a vehicle the method comprising detecting whether the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion, detecting whether the device is connected to a hands-free system or the like and at least partially disabling the device in dependence thereon.

Advantageously, the invention may employ circuitry and technology which is conventionally used in so-called "keyless" or "passive" entry systems for vehicles whereby transponders in the vehicle communicate with a transponder in a key fob or "token" to permit the vehicle doors to be unlocked and the vehicle ignition to be switched on.

The invention involves a relatively simple, yet highly advantageous, modification to this type of system, incorporating it into a mobile communications device such as a mobile telephone, to address an as yet unsolved problem in a different technical field.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the first to fifth aspects of the invention set out above may be used individually or in combination.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a known form of passive entry system for a vehicle;

Figure 2 illustrates schematically a token for use with the system of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 illustrates schematically an apparatus according to one aspect of the invention. Referring to Figure 1, a known form of passive entry system for a vehicle is shown generally at 10. The passive entry system 10 includes a vehicle transceiver unit (VTU) 12 comprising a central processing unit (CPU) 14, connected to a transmitter 16 and to a receiver 18.

The transmitter 16 is connected to a plurality of antennas Al - A3 which serve to transmit electromagnetic signals generated by the transmitter 16. Similarly, the receiver 18 is connected to an antenna A4 which serves to receive electromagnetic signals received by the receiver 18, as described below.

Also connected to the VTU 12 are a plurality of switches. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three switches SI - S3 connected to the CPU 14 within the VTU 12, each switch being located on a respective door of the vehicle. Switch SI, for example, is located on the driver's door of the vehicle whilst switch S2 is located on the passenger or "assist" door and switch S3 on the back door of the vehicle.

The CPU 14 in the VTU 12 is also connected to a lock actuator control unit 20 which communicates with a plurality of lock actuators LI - L4 for locking and unlocking selected doors of the vehicle.

Referring next to Figure 2, this illustrates a known key fob or token 30 for a passive entry system. The token 30 takes the form of a relatively small, plastic housing within which is contained a first antenna arrangement 32, a receiver unit 34, an central processing unit (CPU) 36, a transmitter unit 38 and a transmitting antenna system 40. The electronic composition of such units will be well understood by the skilled person with reference to the function thereof as indicated below and are not, therefore, described in detail herein. Operation of the system of Figure 1 and the token of Figure 2 will now be described.

Initially, the system remains dormant. No signals are transmitted either by the VTU 12 or by the token 30. The vehicle doors (not shown) are locked. To unlock the vehicle, the user approaches the vehicle carrying the token 30 either in hand or in a pocket or bag. There is no requirement for the user to have manual access to the token since the system is passive and manual operation of the token is not necessary.

To open, for example, the driver's door, the user approaches the door and presses the switch SI located on the door itself. Pressing of the switch SI causes an electrical current to flow therethrough, which is detected by the CPU 14. The CPU 14 then generates a command signal in the form of a 48-bit digital signal which includes a unique 8-bit identifier portion. The command signal is applied to the transmitter unit 16 for transmission.

The transmitter unit 16 is arranged to modulate the command signal with a low frequency (LF) carrier signal at approximately 125KHz, amplify it and then transmit it via one or more of the antennas Al - A3. Usually, the command signal is transmitted via the antenna corresponding to the switch pressed by the user. The antennas Al - A3 are arranged such that the range of the transmitted command signal, hereafter termed the threshold range, does not exceed approximately 2m from the vehicle. The reason for this range restriction is that it is desired to prevent a situation whereby a thief can unlock the vehicle doors by pressing the relevant switch SI - S3 on the vehicle whilst the owner, who is in possession of the token, is too far away to take preventative action.

After transmission of the command signal, the CPU 14 applies a predetermined algorithm to the identifier portion of the command signal to produce a unique reference value for reasons which are described below. If the token 30 is within the threshold range of the transmitted command signal, the signal is received by the receiver unit 34 in the token 30 via the first antenna arrangement 32. The receiver unit 34 applies the command signal to the CPU 36 which applies the predetermined algorithm to the identifier portion of the command signal to produce a unique token value. The token value is then modulated by the transmitter unit 38 with a carrier signal having a frequency of approximately 432MHz, amplified and is then transmitted back to the vehicle.

The transmitted signal representing the token value is received by the receiver unit 18 within the VTU 12. The receiver unit 18 demodulates the signal to extract the token value and applies the token value to the CPU 14. The CPU 14 then compares the token value with the reference value generated previously. If the token value matches the reference value, then the CPU 14 sends an UNLOCK signal to the lock actuator controller 20 to control the relevant lock or locks LI - L4 thereby to unlock the relevant vehicle door. In some systems, pressing the switch twice in quick succession unlocks two or more of the vehicle doors.

The system is such that the signal sent by the CPU to the lock actuator controller toggles between LOCK and UNLOCK, depending on the initial condition of the door, i.e. whether the door was locked or unlocked when the signal is sent.

In a similar manner, if the user attempts to switch the vehicle ignition on once inside the vehicle, this is detected by the CPU 14 which generates a command signal similar to that described above. The transmitter transmits the command signal this time via a fourth antenna (not shown) in such a way that it is only receivable within the vehicle cabin. This is sometimes achieved by reducing the signal strength of the transmitted signal such that it does not extend outside the vehicle cabin.

On receiving the transmitted command signal inside the vehicle, the token responds in a similar manner to that described above, by applying the predetermined algorithm to the command signal to produce the token value, modulating the token value with a carrier signal and fransmitting it back to the vehicle.

If the transmitted token value matches that expected by the vehicle, then the CPU 14 deactivates the vehicle immobiliser and permits the vehicle to be started by the user. If not, then the CPU 14 does not disable the vehicle immobiliser and the vehicle is unable to be started.

The above description is given by way of example only. Existing passive entry systems may differ slightly in terms of construction or function from the system described above. However, all will be well understood by the skilled person and it will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to substantially all passive entry systems and not solely to a system which operates as described above.

Referring next to Figure 3, one form of apparatus according to the invention is shown generally at 100. The apparatus 100 comprises most or all of the elements of the token 30. However, in the illustrated embodiment, these elements are incorporated into a mobile telephone 110.

As will be well understood by those skilled in the art, the mobile telephone 110 comprises a transceiver 112, arranged to transmit and receive digital electromagnetic signals, a processing unit 114 connected to the transceiver 112, a display, such as an LCD screen or similar 116 and input means in the form of a key pad 118, both of which are connected to the processing unit 114. In addition, the mobile telephone 110 includes an identification chipset in the form of a Single In-line Memory Module (SIM) card 120 which is connected to the processing unit 114. The SIM card 120 provides the telephone 110 with a unique identification code and communicates with the processing unit such that the telephone is only able to operate correctly with the SIM card enabled and connected to the processing unit. Again, the operation of mobile telephones of this kind will be well understood by those skilled in the art and further detail is not included herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antennas 32, 40, the receiver 34, the CPU 36 and the transmitter 38 of the token are additionally incorporated into the mobile telephone 110. In one embodiment, however, the apparatus employs the components provided within the mobile telephone itself. For example, the antennas 32 and 40 are replaced by the antenna built into the mobile telephone. Similarly, the receiver 34 and the transmitter 38 are replaced by the transceiver 112 and the CPU 36 is replaced by the processing unit 114. Power is provided by the battery of the mobile telephone (not shown).

The telephone 110 in this embodiment is operable to perform all of the functions of the token described above, that is to say controlling access to the vehicle and the switching on of the vehicle ignition or engine. In addition, however, on receipt of the second command signal, indicating that the vehicle engine is being started, the processing unit 114 partially or fully deactivates the mobile telephone 110 until such time as the telephone is connected to a hands- free operating kit or the like (which may be a wireless operating system), this being detected by the processing unit 114 in conventional manner. On connection of the telephone to the hands-free or wireless operating kit, the processing unit 114 enables the mobile telephone so that it can be used for mcoming and outgoing calls. The communication between the mobile telephone and the vehicle prevents the telephone from being used improperly (that is to say in a non-hands-free manner) when the vehicle engine is switched on.

In one embodiment, on receiving the second command signal (indicating that the vehicle ignition is to be switched on), and on determining that the telephone is not connected to a hands free system, the processing unit 114 disables the keypad 118 of the telephone 110 so that it cannot be used in a non-hands-free manner. This prevents the user from operating the phone whilst driving other than through the hands-free system provided. Once the telephone is connected to the hands-free kit, the processing unit 114 re-enables the telephone so that it can be used for mcoming and outgoing calls.

The communication between the telephone and the vehicle may be achieved using the conventional passive entry systems and components as described above or, alternatively, may be achieved by means of a different wireless connection such as Bluetooth.

Currently, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free kits communicate with Bluetooth enabled mobile telephones upon initialising of the vehicle ignition. The vehicle generates an electromagnetic vehicle identification signal that is recognised by the telephone which responds with its own identification signal. This "handshake" between vehicle and telephone permits mcoming and outgoing call signals to be wirelessly transmitted between the telephone and the vehicle communication system. Again, this type of arrangement is well known.

In the embodiment of the present invention, however, an additional step is taken after handshake. Specifically, following handshake between the vehicle and the telephone, the processing unit 114 deactivates the telephone keypad, microphone and/or speaker so that it is not possible for the user to make or receive calls with the phone to his ear, i.e. in a non-hands-free manner. In this case, it will be appreciated that the user is always able to make and receive calls whilst driving the vehicle, but can only do so via the hands-free system provided in the vehicle, the keypad 118, microphone and/or speaker of the handset itself being disabled. This is in contrast with the previous, non- Bluetooth embodiment whereby no mcoming or outgoing calls may be possible until the user physically connects the telephone to the hands-free system since, with the keypad, microphone and/or speaker disabled, the functionality of the handset is entirely lost.

The way in which this functionality is achieved will be well understood by those skilled in the art having regard to the description made above.

It will also be understood that the means for detecting whether the telephone is connected to the hands-free system and that for detecting whether the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion may be provided entirely within the telephone handset itself using known and readily available componentry.

In another embodiment, similar in principle to that of a conventional passive entry system, the vehicle is prevented from being started until the telephone is connected to the hands-free system. For example, when the vehicle transponder 38 generates the second command signal, the transponder 112 in the telephone does not respond with the token value until the processing unit 114 detects that the telephone is connected to a hands-free system or the like. In this way, the vehicle cannot be started until the telephone is connected to the hands-free system.

It will be understood that this embodiment may not be compatible with Bluetooth or other wireless communication systems. In the claims appended hereto, the term "hands-free system" is intended to include Bluetooth-based systems as discussed above, these being conventionally regarded as a wireless hands free systems.

Claims

1. A communication system for a vehicle, the system comprising a mobile communications device, detection means for detecting whether the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion and for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands-free system or the like and control means for at least partially disabling the device in dependence thereon.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control means is arranged such that when the detection means determines that the device is not connected to a hands free system or the like and that the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion, the device is disabled such that it is not possible for the user to operate the device manually.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the control means is operable selectively to disable one or more of the telephone keypad, the microphone or the speaker.

4. A system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the control means permits only emergency calls (such as "999" or "911 "calls) to be made from the device when the vehicle ignition is switched on and the device is not connected to the hands free system.

5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vehicle is provided with a transmitter arrangement for transmitting an information signal indicative of whether the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the transmitter is connected to and controlled by a vehicle control unit such as the Body Control Unit (BCU) which is arranged to monitor vehicle operation.

7. A system as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the detection means includes a receiver arrangement for receiving the information signal from the transmitter arrangement in the vehicle.

8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control means is arranged to divert mcoming calls to the device whilst the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein diversion of mcoming calls is made after a predetermined length of time, thereby to permit the user sufficient time to connect the device to the hands free kit and answer the mcoming call before it is diverted.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein, prior to diverting the mcoming call, the control means is arranged to play a pre-recorded message to the caller.

11. A communication system for a vehicle, the system comprising a mobile communication device having detection means for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands free system or the like and control means for hindering or preventing the vehicle from being driven in dependence thereon.

12. A communication system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control means is operable to prevent the vehicle ignition from being switched on unless the device is connected to the hands free system or the like.

13. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a mobile telephone or the like.

14. A mobile telephone or the like having detection means for detecting whether the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and/or whether the vehicle is in motion and for detecting whether the device is connected to a hands-free system or the like and control means for at least partially disabling the device in dependence thereon.

15. A vehicle having a communications system or a mobile telephone as claimed in any preceding claim.

16. A method of operating a mobile communications device in a vehicle the method comprising detecting whether the vehicle ignition is switched on and/or the vehicle is in motion, detecting whether the device is connected to a hands- free system or the like and at least partially disabling the device in dependence thereon.