Patents by Inventor Stefan Hermann

Stefan Hermann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11613266
    Abstract: A method to a computer program containing instructions and to a module for monitoring a component of a control system for a transport. In a first step, a function call is sent to the component to execute a function used by the component using defined input data. Then a response from the component to the function call is received. The response is subsequently compared with an expected response. Finally, an action is performed in response to a result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: ELEKTROBIT AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Patent number: 11460533
    Abstract: A method for locating a portable radio unit (TF) within a predetermined area (AB, IB) of a vehicle (FZ) has the following steps. A first radio signal (FS1) is transmitted from a vehicle-based position (PO1) outside the vehicle. Further, a second radio signal (FS2) is transmitted from a vehicle-based position (PO2) inside the vehicle. Values (R1, R2) of the respective measured reception field strengths of the first and second radio signals at the location (OF) of the portable radio unit or a value derived therefrom is/are received. Finally, the location (OF) of the portable radio unit is ascertained on the basis of a comparison of the values of the respective measured reception field strengths. In this manner, a simple and reliable way of locating a portable radio unit is also made possible using radio-frequency radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Patent number: 11217047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying a prescribed maximum physical distance (MAX) of a radio key (11) in relation to a motor vehicle (10), wherein a control apparatus (26) uses a radio device (21) of the motor vehicle (10) to transmit at least one electromagnetic radio signal to the radio key (11) and subsequently receives a respective electromagnetic response signal and, for each radio signal, takes the radio signal and the associated response signal as a basis in each case for using a signal propagation delay measurement to ascertain a respective signal propagation delay and checks whether the signal propagation delay fails to satisfy a predetermined propagation delay criterion (27), and signals a transgression above the propagation delay (28) when the propagation delay criterion (27) is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventors: Franz Plattner, Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich
  • Patent number: 11192525
    Abstract: An access arrangement for a vehicle comprises a vehicle-side unlocking device for unlocking a locking mechanism. Furthermore, it comprises a vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device which is set up to supply the unlocking device with energy independently of the on-board power supply of the vehicle. Moreover, the access arrangement has a vehicle-side energy supply device comprising a first section for receiving wirelessly transmitted energy and for converting the transmitted energy into electrical energy, and a second section for charging the vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device. In particular, the access arrangement also comprises a vehicle-side authentication device for checking access authorization, which is supplied with energy independently of the on-board power supply by means of the vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Annette Hebling, Christine Igl, Georg Käufl, Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich
  • Patent number: 11155240
    Abstract: An access arrangement for a vehicle comprises a vehicle-side unlocking device for unlocking a locking mechanism. Furthermore, it comprises a vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device which is set up to supply the unlocking device with energy independently of the on-board power supply of the vehicle. Moreover, the access arrangement has a vehicle-side energy supply device comprising a first section for receiving wirelessly transmitted energy and for converting the transmitted energy into electrical energy, and a second section for charging the vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device. In particular, the access arrangement also comprises a vehicle-side authentication device for checking access authorization, which is supplied with energy independently of the on-board power supply by means of the vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Annette Hebling, Christine Igl, Georg Käufl, Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20210309239
    Abstract: A method to a computer program containing instructions and to a module for monitoring a component of a control system for a transport. In a first step, a function call is sent to the component to execute a function used by the component using defined input data. Then a response from the component to the function call is received. The response is subsequently compared with an expected response. Finally, an action is performed in response to a result of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Publication number: 20200216031
    Abstract: An access arrangement for a vehicle comprises a vehicle-side unlocking device for unlocking a locking mechanism. Furthermore, it comprises a vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device which is set up to supply the unlocking device with energy independently of the on-board power supply of the vehicle. Moreover, the access arrangement has a vehicle-side energy supply device comprising a first section for receiving wirelessly transmitted energy and for converting the transmitted energy into electrical energy, and a second section for charging the vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device. In particular, the access arrangement also comprises a vehicle-side authentication device for checking access authorization, which is supplied with energy independently of the on-board power supply by means of the vehicle-side rechargeable electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Annette Hebling, Christine Igl, Georg Käufl, Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich
  • Patent number: 10616855
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for locating a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile radio terminal for a cellular mobile radio network by way of an apparatus of a motor vehicle. The mobile terminal sets up a connection to at least one first receiver, while the mobile terminal does not set up a connection to the at least one further one of the receivers at least for this locating operation. Both the at least one first receiver and at least one of the further ones of the receivers each determine a field strength of at least one radio signal transmitted by the mobile terminal or a first receiver. The field strengths thus determined are used to locate to locate the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Michael Schmeisser
  • Publication number: 20190355196
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying a prescribed maximum physical distance (MAX) of a radio key (11) in relation to a motor vehicle (10), wherein a control apparatus (26) uses a radio device (21) of the motor vehicle (10) to transmit at least one electromagnetic radio signal to the radio key (11) and subsequently receives a respective electromagnetic response signal and, for each radio signal, takes the radio signal and the associated response signal as a basis in each case for using a signal propagation delay measurement to ascertain a respective signal propagation delay and checks whether the signal propagation delay fails to satisfy a predetermined propagation delay criterion (27), and signals a transgression above the propagation delay (28) when the propagation delay criterion (27) is not satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Franz PLATTNER, Stefan HERMANN, Alexander HEINRICH
  • Patent number: 10399543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enabling one or more functions (FT) in a vehicle (FZ), in particular in a motor vehicle. The method involves one or more prescribed radio signals (FS) being transmitted from a mobile identification transmitter (IDG) and/or a device coupled to the mobile identification transmitter (IDG) to a vehicle-based evaluation device (STF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Publication number: 20190253997
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for locating a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile radio terminal for a cellular mobile radio network by way of an apparatus of a motor vehicle. The mobile terminal sets up a connection to at least one first receiver, while the mobile terminal does not set up a connection to the at least one further one of the receivers at least for this locating operation. Both the at least one first receiver and at least one of the further ones of the receivers each determine a field strength of at least one radio signal transmitted by the mobile terminal or a first receiver. The field strengths thus determined are used to locate to locate the mobile terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: STEFAN HERMANN, MICHAEL SCHMEISSER
  • Patent number: 10343651
    Abstract: A keyless access system for a motor vehicle, which includes a portable signal generator for access to one or more doors or flaps of the motor vehicle, wherein the signal generator transmits an enable signal to a receiver unit, mounted on the motor vehicle, by a short-range radio link. The receiver unit permits access to one or more doors or flaps if it is determined that the enable signal is valid and a distance criterion which represents a distance between the signal generator and the motor vehicle is satisfied. The distance criterion results from a comparison of a weighted reception field strength of the short-range radio link between the signal generator and the receiver unit with a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Publication number: 20190061690
    Abstract: A keyless access system for a motor vehicle, which includes a portable signal generator for access to one or more doors or flaps of the motor vehicle, wherein the signal generator transmits an enable signal to a receiver unit, mounted on the motor vehicle, by a short-range radio link. The receiver unit permits access to one or more doors or flaps if it is determined that the enable signal is valid and a distance criterion which represents a distance between the signal generator and the motor vehicle is satisfied. The distance criterion results from a comparison of a weighted reception field strength of the short-range radio link between the signal generator and the receiver unit with a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Publication number: 20190001927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enabling one or more functions (FT) in a vehicle (FZ), in particular in a motor vehicle. The method involves one or more prescribed radio signals (FS) being transmitted from a mobile identification transmitter (IDG) and/or a device coupled to the mobile identification transmitter (IDG) to a vehicle-based evaluation device (STF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Stefan HERMANN
  • Publication number: 20180252794
    Abstract: A method for locating a portable radio unit (TF) within a predetermined area (AB, IB) of a vehicle (FZ) has the following steps. A first radio signal (FS1) is transmitted from a vehicle-based position (PO1) outside the vehicle. Further, a second radio signal (FS2) is transmitted from a vehicle-based position (PO2) inside the vehicle. Values (R1, R2) of the respective measured reception field strengths of the first and second radio signals at the location (OF) of the portable radio unit or a value derived therefrom is/are received. Finally, the location (OF) of the portable radio unit is ascertained on the basis of a comparison of the values of the respective measured reception field strengths. In this manner, a simple and reliable way of locating a portable radio unit is also made possible using radio-frequency radio signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventor: Stefan HERMANN
  • Publication number: 20180120411
    Abstract: The application relates to methods and a locating device with a plurality of locating modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for locating a key (51, 52), in particular a key for a motor vehicle (80), characterized in that the locating device has at least one measuring device to measure the field strength (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) of at least one HF signal (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) transmitted by a locating module (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in the motor vehicle or in the key (51, 52) and received by a further locating module (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in the key (51, 52) or in the vehicle, in particular with a filtering and/or averaging of recorded RSSI values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Patent number: 8935052
    Abstract: In a method for controlling at least one door of a vehicle, a movement of a mobile identification signal generator, assigned to the vehicle, relative to the vehicle is sensed as a function of time. A future position of the mobile identification signal generator is estimated at a future time based on the position, the speed of movement and the direction of movement of the mobile identification signal generator at the current time, and furthermore an unlocking condition is detected if the future position of the mobile identification signal generator is within a predetermined range. Finally, the at least one door is unlocked and/or opened based on the unlocking condition. As a result of the estimation of the position of an identification signal generator with respect to a next position measuring point, the reaction time and the susceptibility to faults of an access arrangement can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Patent number: 8630748
    Abstract: A method for access or starting verification for a vehicle using a mobile identification encoder and at least two antennas located in or on the vehicle at different locations includes: the antennas emitting electromagnetic signals at alterable times, wherein the electromagnetic signals are emitted in transmission blocks having alterable specific properties and wherein a plurality of transmission blocks are strung together to form a communication message in which each transmission block adopts an alterable position in time, the identification encoder receiving the electromagnetic signals emitted by the antennas and processing them to generate a response signal, and altering at least one of the times at which the individual antennas are actuated, the specific properties of the individual transmission blocks, and the position of the individual transmission blocks in time in the communication message in accordance with a cryptographical method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich, Franz Plattner
  • Publication number: 20120316703
    Abstract: A method for access or starting verification for a vehicle using a mobile identification encoder and at least two antennas located in or on the vehicle at different locations includes: the antennas emitting electromagnetic signals at alterable times, wherein the electromagnetic signals are emitted in transmission blocks having alterable specific properties and wherein a plurality of transmission blocks are strung together to form a communication message in which each transmission block adopts an alterable position in time, the identification encoder receiving the electromagnetic signals emitted by the antennas and processing them to generate a response signal, and altering at least one of the times at which the individual antennas are actuated, the specific properties of the individual transmission blocks, and the position of the individual transmission blocks in time in the communication message in accordance with a cryptographical method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich, Franz Plattner
  • Publication number: 20110218709
    Abstract: In a method for controlling at least one door of a vehicle, a movement of a mobile identification signal generator, assigned to the vehicle, relative to the vehicle is sensed as a function of time. A future position of the mobile identification signal generator is estimated at a future time based on the position, the speed of movement and the direction of movement of the mobile identification signal generator at the current time, and furthermore an unlocking condition is detected if the future position of the mobile identification signal generator is within a predetermined range. Finally, the at least one door is unlocked and/or opened based on the unlocking condition. As a result of the estimation of the position of an identification signal generator with respect to a next position measuring point, the reaction time and the susceptibility to faults of an access arrangement can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann