Vehicle for preventing cancellation of UWB session synchronization on basis of MCU module and UWB communication system for preventing cancellation of UWB session synchronization

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle for preventing cancellation of UWB session synchronization on the basis of an MCU module, the vehicle comprising: a control unit; a BLE module communicating with a BLE module of a user terminal; one or more UWB modules communicating with a UWB module of the user terminal; and an MCU module communicating with the UWB module, wherein the control unit is configured to control the BLE module so that the BLE module performs initial time synchronization with the BLE module of the user terminal, and control the one or more UWB modules so that the UWB module receives a UWB signal from the UWB module of the user terminal and generates time of flight (TOF) data, and the control unit is configured to control the MCU module to transmit additional information to the one or more UWB modules even when there is a UWB module that has not received a final data message from the user terminal among the one or more UWB modules.

Description

Vehicle and UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss based on an MCU module

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle for preventing UWB session synchronization desynchronization based on an MCU module and a UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization desynchronization.

[0002] Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is a wireless communication technology that transmits data using a very wide frequency band for a short period of time. Due to its high bandwidth and ability to measure precise distances, it is widely used in smart vehicles, location-based services (LBS), smart key systems, and more.

[0003] In particular, precise distance measurement and location determination based on Time of Flight (ToF) data play a crucial role in communication between a vehicle and a user terminal. This enables the provision of smart functions such as vehicle locking / unlocking, trunk opening, and engine start activation.

[0004] UWB communication systems operate based on sessions, which means that multiple UWB modules (anchors) are synchronized to share the same time axis and communication plan. In existing UWB systems, the vehicle's MCU module performs only limited roles; consequently, if some anchors are excluded from a session or synchronization is lost, the MCU module is unable to resolve the issue, leading to problems with degraded communication reliability and positioning accuracy.

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problem of session synchronization release caused by the non-reception of Final Data messages, as in existing systems, cases frequently occurred where some UWB anchors failed to receive Final Data messages even when a user terminal transmitted them.

[0006] This invention aims to solve the problem of the limited role of the MCU module, as in existing systems, the MCU module merely performs an auxiliary role of collecting and processing ToF data and transmitting it to a user terminal or another anchor.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems of reduced positioning accuracy, increased communication collisions, and degraded system performance caused by the release of session synchronization.

[0008] The present invention relates to a vehicle for preventing UWB session synchronization release based on an MCU module, comprising: a control unit; a BLE module communicating with a BLE module of a user terminal; one or more UWB modules communicating with a UWB module of the user terminal; and an MCU module communicating with the UWB module; wherein the control unit is configured to control the BLE module so that the BLE module performs initial time synchronization with the BLE module of the user terminal, and to control the one or more UWB modules so that the UWB module receives a UWB signal from the UWB module of the user terminal and generates Time of Flight (ToF) data; and wherein the control unit is configured to control the MCU module so that, if there is a UWB module among the one or more UWB modules that has not received a Final data message from the user terminal, additional information is transmitted to the UWB module that has not received the Final data message.

[0009] Additionally, the control unit is configured to control the MCU module to transmit at least one of the following information to the one or more UWB modules: next Ranging Round information, session priority information, and Ranging Time information, to the UWB module that has not received the final data message.

[0010] Additionally, the control unit controls the MCU module to transmit additional information to the UWB module that has not received the Final data message if there is a UWB module among the one or more UWB modules that has not received the Final data message from the user terminal, and the control unit is configured such that all of the one or more UWB modules maintain the same session state based on the control of the MCU module.

[0011] The present invention relates to a UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization release, comprising: a vehicle including a plurality of UWB modules and an MCU module; and a user terminal for performing positioning with the plurality of UWB modules; wherein the MCU module is configured to transmit additional information to the UWB module that has not received the Final data message if there is a UWB module among the plurality of UWB modules that has not received the Final data message from the user terminal.

[0012] In addition, the above additional information is at least one of the following: next Ranging Round information, Session Priority information, and Ranging Time information.

[0013] In addition, the MCU module is configured to calculate the distance between the user terminal and the vehicle based on Time of Flight (ToF) data collected from the plurality of UWB modules, and to determine the location of the user terminal based on the calculated distance.

[0014] In addition, the MCU module is configured to transmit additional information to the UWB module that did not receive the Final data message, so that session synchronization between the UWB module that did not receive the Final data message and the user terminal is not released.

[0015] In addition, the MCU module is configured to transmit additional information to UWB modules that have not received the Final data message, so that the plurality of UWB modules all share the same Ranging Round information and Session Priority information.

[0016] In addition, the MCU module is configured to manage time synchronization information of the plurality of UWB modules.

[0017] The present invention relates to a UWB communication module comprising: a plurality of UWB modules for performing positioning; and an MCU module for controlling the plurality of UWB modules; wherein the plurality of UWB modules are configured to transmit a final data message to the MCU module, and the MCU module is configured to transmit first information including the final data message and session priority information to the plurality of UWB modules.

[0018] In addition, the final data message includes at least one of next ranging round information and hopping sequence information, and the plurality of UWB modules are configured to maintain session synchronization based on the first information received from the MCU module.

[0019] In addition, even if at least one of the plurality of UWB modules fails to transmit the final data message to the MCU module, the MCU module is configured to transmit the first information to all of the plurality of UWB modules.

[0020] The present invention can provide the effect of preventing session synchronization from being released by having the MCU complementarily deliver the Next Ranging Round and Session Priority even to anchors that have not directly received the Final Data message, so that all UWB modules share the same time standard.

[0021] In existing systems, the MCU module did not function as the session management entity, leading to problems such as session synchronization failure, communication instability, and reduced positioning accuracy; however, the present invention can provide the effect of solving these problems by setting the MCU module as the session management entity.

[0022] The present invention can provide the effect of smoothly performing smart vehicle functions such as vehicle locking / unlocking, trunk opening, and ignition activation through stable session synchronization and accurate location positioning.

[0023] The present invention can provide the effect of making the entire communication process efficient and fast by having the MCU module effectively manage session synchronization and data transmission.

[0024] FIG. 1a is a diagram illustrating the structure of a short-range wireless communication system formed through Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication between a vehicle and a user terminal according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a plurality of UWB sessions in a UWB communication system according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the effect of improving Ranging time according to the One-to-Many method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Session and the communication process of a UWB communication system according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating the session synchronization release and the resulting decrease in positioning accuracy due to the structural limitations of UWB session management in the existing system of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a structure in which session synchronization is performed due to the function of the MCU module of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the difference between the operating principle of the existing system and the operating principle of the present invention.

[0031] Specific details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0033] FIG. 1a is a diagram illustrating the structure of a short-range wireless communication system formed through Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication between a vehicle and a user terminal according to the present invention.

[0034] As described, the UWB communication system (10) between the vehicle (100) and the user terminal (200) is a system that combines Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies to provide smart key and vehicle control functions through high-precision distance measurement and communication synchronization. Specifically, the UWB communication system (10) is designed to perform vehicle access, unlocking, starting, and various location-based services.

[0035] According to the present invention, a UWB communication system (10) can establish a connection between a vehicle (100) and a user terminal (200) and perform basic time synchronization using BLE modules (110', 210'). At this time, when the BLE module (110) of the vehicle (100) and the BLE module (210) of the user terminal (200) are connected, the user terminal (200) can be authenticated to have the authority to connect with the vehicle (100). After BLE synchronization is completed, the UWB communication system (10) can start UWB communication between the vehicle (100) and the user terminal (200).

[0036] According to the present invention, the UWB communication system (10) can measure the distance between the user and the vehicle through the Time of Flight (ToF) method using a UWB module (120') mounted on the vehicle (100) and a UWB module (220) of the user terminal (200). Specifically, the ToF calculation has very high precision and has an error of about 10 cm compared to BLE. In this process, the control units (130, 230) of the vehicle (100) and the user terminal (200) can perform vehicle access and control operations based on ToF data. Specifically, the control unit (130) on the vehicle (100) side can perform the role of central management of the UWB and BLE modules and controls smart functions such as unlocking the vehicle, opening the trunk, and activating the engine based on the received distance data. The control unit (230) of the user terminal (200) can maintain the stability of the system by continuously monitoring the communication status with the vehicle (100) and transmitting necessary commands.

[0037] According to the present invention, the UWB communication system (10) is characterized by high-precision distance measurement and security. UWB has a wide bandwidth and high signal interference resistance, and operates in conjunction with BLE to provide a dual authentication structure. Through this, the UWB communication system (10) can prevent security threats such as spoofing or hacking and can provide a secure connection between a vehicle (100) and a user terminal (200). In addition, the BLE module (110, 210) and the UWB module (120, 220) in the UWB communication system (10) are both based on a low-power design, thereby minimizing battery consumption of the system and enabling long-term operation.

[0038] According to the present invention, a UWB communication system (10) can provide detection of approach to a vehicle (100) and automatic unlocking, a smart key function using a smartphone as a key, and a location-based service that operates only at a specific location. For example, when a user approaches a vehicle, the UWB communication system (10) calculates the distance and location through a UWB signal to automatically unlock the vehicle and perform actions such as opening the trunk or controlling the ignition.

[0039] According to the present invention, the MCU module (Microcontroller Unit, 140) of the vehicle (100) can manage the communication process through the interoperability between the UWB module (120) and the BLE module (110) of the vehicle (100). Specifically, the MCU module (140) can perform initial synchronization with the user terminal (200) by utilizing the BLE module (110) and establish a session with all UWB modules (120) within the vehicle (100). That is, the MCU module (140) can establish a session with all UWB anchors (Responders) within the vehicle (100). Subsequently, the MCU module (140) can calculate the distance between the vehicle (100) and the user terminal (200) by processing Time of Flight (ToF) data collected from the UWB module (120). Accordingly, the MCU module (140) can perform smart vehicle control functions such as unlocking the vehicle, opening the trunk, and activating the engine.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an MCU module (140) within a UWB communication system (10) acts as the managing entity for UWB modules (120) and can maintain session synchronization by transmitting the timing of the next Ranging Round and Session Priority to anchors of all UWB modules (120). Specifically, the MCU module (140) can prevent session synchronization from being released and maintain positioning accuracy by providing necessary information supplementarily even to anchors that have not received the Final Data message. In addition, the MCU module (140) can set the communication priority of each anchor to prevent communication collisions and provide a stable communication environment based on this. Details regarding how the MCU module (140) transmits the timing of the next Ranging Round and Session Priority to anchors of all UWB modules (120) to maintain session synchronization will be described later.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the MCU module (140) maintains communication security within the UWB communication system (10) through encrypted data and supports a dual authentication structure combining the BLE module (110) and the UWB module (120) to prevent spoofing and hacking attempts.

[0042] The present invention may provide a UWB communication module comprising a plurality of UWB modules (120) that perform positioning and an MCU module (140) that controls the plurality of UWB modules (120). Specifically, the plurality of UWB modules (120) are configured to transmit a final data message (3-5) to the MCU module (140). Additionally, the MCU module (140) is configured to transmit first information, including the final data message (3-5) and session priority information, to the plurality of UWB modules (120). In this case, the final data message (3-5) may include at least one of next ranging round information and hopping sequence information. At this time, the plurality of UWB modules (120) may maintain session synchronization based on the first information received from the MCU module (140). In addition, even if at least one of the plurality of UWB modules (120) fails to transmit the final data message (3-5) to the MCU module (140), the MCU module (140) may be configured to transmit the first information to all of the plurality of UWB modules (120).

[0043] FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a plurality of UWB sessions in a UWB communication system according to the present invention.

[0044] According to the present invention, a UWB Session (300) may refer to a logical unit of work in which communication between specific devices takes place in a UWB communication system (10) according to the present invention. That is, a UWB Session (300) may refer to a unit of work in which tasks such as time of flight (ToF), data transmission and reception, session synchronization, and security management are performed during the communication process between an initiator (starting device) and a responder (responding device).

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a UWB Session (300) may include an Initiator and a Responder. The Initiator is a device that initiates UWB communication, and may primarily be a smartphone, a smart key, or a user terminal (200). Additionally, the Responder is a device that receives a signal (RX) from the Initiator and sends a response (TX), and may primarily be a vehicle or a fixed anchor. Furthermore, the Responder can process the signal received from the Initiator, calculate the time of flight (ToF), and perform session synchronization and data transmission and reception.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1b, each UWB Session (300) may represent a connection between one vehicle (100) and one user terminal (200). Specifically, the first UWB Session (300-1) may represent communication between the first vehicle (100-1) and the first user terminal (200-1). The second UWB Session (300-2) may represent communication between the first vehicle (100-1) and the second user terminal (200-2). Additionally, the third UWB Session (300-3) may represent communication between the second vehicle (100-2) and the third user terminal (200-3). Additionally, the fourth UWB Session (300-4) may represent communication between the second vehicle (100-2) and the second user terminal (200-2). At this time, the first UWB Session (300-1), the second UWB Session (300-2), the third UWB Session (300-3), and the fourth UWB Session (300-4) can each perform distance measurement, data exchange, and session synchronization between an Initiator (starting device) and a Responder (responding device) through UWB communication.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the first vehicle (100-1) and the second vehicle (100-2) are each equipped with a UWB module (120) that acts as a Responder, and the UWB module (120) of the vehicle can communicate with each user terminal (200) to measure the time of flight (ToF). Additionally, the first user terminal (200-1), the second user terminal (200-2), and the third user terminal (200-3) can act as Initiators in UWB communication, communicate directly with the vehicle, and transmit (TX) a UWB signal to receive (RX) a response from the vehicle (100).

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1b, each UWB Session (300) operates independently and can perform communication between each vehicle (100) and user terminal (200) without interference from each other. For example, the first UWB Session (300-1) handles only communication between the first vehicle (100-1) and the first user terminal (200-1) and can operate independently with the second UWB Session (300-2) and the third UWB Session (300-3) without data and signal collisions. At this time, in each UWB Session (300), the UWB can calculate the physical distance between the vehicle and the terminal by measuring the time of flight (ToF).

[0049] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the effect of improving Ranging time according to the One-to-Many method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the Key (200) transmits a single signal, and all Responders (Anchors) can receive it simultaneously. A1 (120-1), A2 (120-2), A3 (120-3), and A4 (120-4) are multiple Responder (Anchor) devices and may represent UWB modules mounted on a vehicle. In this case, multiple Responder (Anchor) devices can receive the signal simultaneously. For example, the Key (200) transmits a single Poll signal (3-2), and all Responders can receive it simultaneously. At this time, each Responder can transmit a Response containing its own data to the Key (200), and the Key (200) transmits the final data, and all Responders can receive it simultaneously.

[0051] As illustrated, since the Key (200) and the Responder communicate in parallel, the overall Ranging time is shortened. For example, even if there are four anchors (A1 (120-1), A2 (120-2), A3 (120-3), A4 (120-4)), it can operate with a single Poll stage (3-2) and Final signal (3-4). In addition, since the data from the Key (200) reaches all Responders with a single transmission, there is no need to repeatedly transmit the same data. That is, in FIG. 3(b), the Key (200) transmits a single signal and A1 (120-1), A2 (120-2), A3 (120-3), and A4 (120-4) can receive it simultaneously. This structure allows the MCU module (140) to easily transmit synchronization information at once, even if the Final Data stage (3-5) message is missed by some Responders. Additionally, since Key (200) transmits a single signal and A1 (120-1), A2 (120-2), A3 (120-3), and A4 (120-4) can receive it simultaneously, this structure may make it easy for the MCU module (140) to transmit Session Priority information and Next Ranging Round information to some Responders that are missing the Final Data stage (3-5) message.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Session and the communication process of a UWB communication system according to the present invention.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a UWB communication system (10), a UWB Session (300) is divided into several blocks, and distance measurement (Time of Flight, ToF), data exchange, and session synchronization can be performed within the session. Blocks (310, 320) are smaller units of the UWB Session (300), and multiple rounds can be performed within a single block. In this case, Block 1 (310) and Block 2 (320) may represent positioning cycles occurring in the UWB Session (300). That is, during the cycle of Block 1 (310), one user terminal (200) and one vehicle (100) can perform distance measurement once.

[0054] As described, in the UWB communication system (10), Rounds (311, 312, 313, 321, 322, 323) are units of specific communication processes performed within a block, and each Round may consist of one or more slots. Block 1 (310) and Block 2 (320) may represent positioning cycles occurring in a UWB Session (300). That is, during the cycle of Block 1 (310), one user terminal (200) and one vehicle (100) may perform distance measurement once. Specifically, the user terminal (200) and one vehicle (100) may select a specific round within one block to perform TWR-DS. At this time, the signal transmission and reception frame between the user terminal (200) and one vehicle (100) corresponds to slots (312-1 to 312-8). For example, the pre-poll (3-1) shown in Fig. 2(b) may correspond to slot1 (312-1) when a specific UWB Session (300) is selected as round 2 (312) in Block 1 (310).

[0055] As described, in the UWB communication system (10), Round 2 (312) may include individual slots. A slot represents an individual time unit allocated for a Responder (Anchor) to perform communication within the Round. That is, each slot may represent the time during which a specific Responder can communicate with the Key (200). Additionally, the Pre-poll stage (3-1) and the Poll stage may represent the stage where the Key (200) transmits to all Responders simultaneously. Furthermore, in the Response stage (3-3), when each Responder responds to the Key (200) sequentially, each Responder may transmit a response within an allocated Slot. For example, Responder A1 (120-1) may transmit a response to Slot 1 (312-3), and Responder A2 (120-2) may transmit a response to Slot 2 (312-4).

[0056] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating the session synchronization release and the resulting decrease in positioning accuracy due to the structural limitations of UWB session management in the existing system of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating the structure in which session synchronization is performed due to the function of the MCU module of the present invention.

[0057] As described above, in the existing system, the MCU module (140) can perform only the basic role of simply receiving data from the UWB module (120), processing it, and transmitting it back to the user terminal (200). At this time, it can be seen that the UWB module (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-N) communicates directly with the user terminal, but the MCU module (140) does not act as the principal of session management.

[0058] As described above, in the existing system, if some UWB modules (120-N) fail to receive the Final Data message (3-5), the UWB modules (120-N) do not know the next Ranging Round and Session Priority information, resulting in a problem where session synchronization is disabled. Additionally, the disabled UWB modules (120-N) cannot participate in communication, and the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) cannot collect data from all UWB modules (120), resulting in a problem where the location of the user terminal (200) cannot be accurately calculated. Furthermore, in the existing system, the exclusion of some UWB modules (120) from the session reduces overall communication reliability and causes instability in positioning and vehicle control functions.

[0059] As described above, the UWB communication system (10) according to the present invention has a structure in which an MCU module (140) operates as the principal of UWB session management. At this time, after receiving a Final Data message from a user terminal (200), the MCU module (140) can transmit the contents of the message to all UWB modules (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-N). Accordingly, all UWB modules (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-N) can share the same Ranging Round and Session Priority information. Accordingly, by transmitting the contents of the Final Data message (3-5) to all UWB modules (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-N), the MCU module (140) can provide the effect of maintaining session synchronization even if some modules do not directly receive the message.

[0060] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the difference between the operating principle of the existing system and the operating principle of the present invention.

[0061] Step of performing BLE Time Sync between user terminal and vehicle (S100)

[0062] As described, in order to perform location positioning in the UWB communication system (10), BLE Time Sync between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) can be performed in the BLE Time Sync execution step (S100) between the user terminal and the vehicle. Specifically, in the BLE Time Sync execution step (S100) between the user terminal and the vehicle, initial time synchronization between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle UWB module (120) can be performed via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0063] According to the present invention, in the step (S100) of performing BLE Time Sync between a user terminal (200) and a vehicle (100), authentication information and device identification information of the user terminal (200) can be transmitted to the vehicle (100) through data exchange. That is, by performing BLE Time Sync, the UWB communication system (10) can prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle (100) and can strengthen communication security between the vehicle (100) and the user terminal (200).

[0064] UWB signal reception step (S110)

[0065] As described above, in order to perform location positioning, a UWB signal reception step (S110) may be performed after the BLE Time Sync execution step (S100) between the user terminal and the vehicle. Specifically, in the UWB signal reception step (S110), UWB signals are transmitted and received between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100), and data exchange and communication preparation for initial distance measurement may be performed. First, the UWB module (220) of the user terminal (200) transmits an initial signal to the UWB module (120) of the vehicle (100), and the vehicle (100) receives and processes it, and then transmits a response signal back to the user terminal (200). This process may be carried out mainly in a Two-Way Ranging (TWR) manner, and accordingly, the UWB module (120, 220) can collect Time of Flight (ToF) data and measure the initial distance between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100).

[0066] According to the present invention, in the UWB signal reception step (S110), a UWB session between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) is initialized, and a Ranging Round and Slot allocation may be performed. Subsequently, the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) can perform an initial position calculation by integrating data collected from the UWB module (120). Additionally, the user terminal (200) transmits initial data including its identification information to the vehicle (100), and the vehicle (100) receives this to verify the authentication status and the session progress status. Furthermore, the UWB module (120), which is a UWB anchor (Responder) inside the vehicle (100), collects ToF data for each anchor through signal transmission and reception with the user terminal (200), and the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) can calculate the position of the user terminal (200) by integrating the collected data.

[0067] Clock synchronization step between user terminal and vehicle (S120)

[0068] As described, the clock synchronization step (S120) between the user terminal and the vehicle may be a step of performing time synchronization between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) after the UWB signal reception step (S110). Specifically, in the clock synchronization step (S120) between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100), the clocks of the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) are adjusted to minimize the time difference between signal transmission and reception during the subsequent communication process and to enable accurate distance measurement.

[0069] First, the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) can record the time stamps transmitted and received from each device and exchange them to calculate the current time error. Accordingly, the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) adjusts the clocks of the UWB modules (120), which are UWB anchors (Responders) inside the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100), and ensures that all anchors operate based on the same time axis. In this process, for anchors where a clock error has occurred, the MCU module (140) can perform additional correction work or align the clocks through synchronization retries.

[0070] According to the present invention, when clock synchronization is completed in the UWB communication system (10), all anchor UWB modules (120, 220) of the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) share the same Ranging Round and Slot timing. That is, the UWB communication system (10) can prevent data collisions in subsequent communication through clock synchronization and maintain stable session synchronization.

[0071] Next Ranging Time setting step via Final Data message (S130)

[0072] As described, the next Ranging Time setting step (S130) via the Final Data message may be a process of maintaining UWB session synchronization between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) and setting time information for the next Ranging Round. Specifically, in the next Ranging Time setting step (S130) via the Final Data message (3-5), the user terminal (200) transmits the Final Data message (3-5) to the vehicle (100), and the Final Data message (3-5) may include Ranging Time, Session Priority, and Slot information for the next Ranging Round. The UWB module (120), which is the UWB anchor (Responder) of the vehicle (100), receives the Final Data message (3-5) and can set timing information related to the next Ranging Time based thereon.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, all anchors, specifically UWB modules (120), inside the vehicle (100) share the Final Data message (3-5) received from the user terminal (200) to have the same time standard. According to the present invention, if some anchors fail to receive the Final Data message (3-5), the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) can supplementarily transmit relevant information to the anchors. Accordingly, the present invention can provide the effect of allowing anchors that missed the Final Data message (3-5) to maintain a synchronized state. Additionally, after the Final Data message (3-5) is transmitted, all anchors can prepare for the next Ranging Round based on the same Ranging Time and Session Priority. The MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) checks the synchronization status of all anchors and can perform a recovery operation if there is an anchor that failed to synchronize.

[0074] Next ranging round, Session Priority transmission step (S135) to all anchors via MCU module

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, all anchors, specifically UWB modules (120), inside the vehicle (100) share the Final Data message (3-5) received from the user terminal (200) to have the same time standard. According to the present invention, if some anchors fail to receive the Final Data message (3-5), the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) can supplementarily transmit relevant information to the anchors. Accordingly, the present invention can provide the effect of allowing anchors that missed the Final Data message (3-5) to maintain a synchronized state. Additionally, after the Final Data message (3-5) is transmitted, all anchors can prepare for the next Ranging Round based on the same Ranging Time and Session Priority. The MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) checks the synchronization status of all anchors and can perform a recovery operation if there is an anchor that failed to synchronize.

[0076] As described above, the step (S135) of transmitting the Next Ranging Round and Session Priority to all UWB modules (120) via the MCU module (140) may be a process in which the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) transmits the same session information to all UWB anchor (Responder) UWB modules (120) to maintain synchronization. Specifically, in the step (S135) of transmitting the Next Ranging Round and Session Priority to all UWB modules (120) via the MCU module (140), the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) may obtain the timing of the next Ranging Round and Session Priority information based on the Final Data message (3-5) received from the user terminal (200), and transmit this to all anchors. In particular, the MCU module (140) according to the present invention may provide the effect of preventing synchronization release by supplementarily transmitting information even to anchors that have not received the Final Data message (3-5).

[0077] In existing systems, if some anchors fail to receive the Final Data message (3-5) from the user terminal (200), the anchors are excluded from session synchronization because they do not know the next Ranging Round and Session Priority information. As a result, in existing systems, collisions occur during the communication process and positioning accuracy is degraded. Furthermore, existing MCU modules only perform an auxiliary role of processing and transmitting ToF data and cannot function as the primary entity for session management. Consequently, the synchronization release problem is not resolved, and system stability and performance are degraded. In conclusion, the step (S135) of transmitting the Next Ranging Round and Session Priority to all anchors through the MCU module (140) according to the present invention overcomes the limitations of existing systems and can provide the effect of increasing the efficiency of the UWB communication system (10).

[0078] Our invention solves this problem by having the MCU module act as the primary agent for session management. The MCU transmits Next Ranging Round and Session Priority information to all anchors and provides supplementary information to anchors that have not received the Final Data message, thereby preventing synchronization loss. This enables all anchors to participate in the session, prevents communication conflicts, and maintains session synchronization. This process contributes to improving communication efficiency and positioning accuracy, as well as enhancing system stability.

[0079] According to the present invention, the MCU module of the present invention manages all anchors to operate based on the same Ranging Round and Session Priority information, thereby preventing communication conflicts and maintaining stable session synchronization. In addition, the MCU checks the synchronization status of all anchors and performs additional supplementary or recovery operations if there is an anchor that has failed to synchronize.

[0080] Step of performing ToF transmission and position positioning through MCU module (S140)

[0081] As described, the step of performing ToF transmission and positioning through the MCU module (S140) is the final step of the UWB communication system (10), in which the MCU module (140) of the vehicle (100) calculates the position between the user terminal (200) and the vehicle (100) based on Time of Flight (ToF) data collected from all UWB anchors (Responders) and finally provides a location-based service. Specifically, in the step of performing ToF transmission and positioning through the MCU module (S140), after receiving the UWB signal transmitted from the user terminal (200), multiple anchors inside the vehicle (100) can each record the time taken for the transmission and reception of the signal. Additionally, the anchors transmit this ToF data to the MCU module (140), and the MCU module (140) can integrate and process it.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the MCU module (140) can calculate the distance between the user terminal (200) and each anchor UWB module (120) based on the collected ToF data. Subsequently, the location of the user terminal (200) can be calculated through a triangulation method, which may include the relative distance and directionality between the vehicle (100) and the user terminal (200). The calculated location data can be used to activate smart functions of the vehicle (100). For example, it can be set to unlock the vehicle when the user terminal (200) is near the vehicle (100), or to open the trunk at a specific location, such as near the trunk. Additionally, if it is confirmed that the user terminal (200) is inside the vehicle (100), the start button can be activated. That is, the MCU module (140) can transmit the calculated location data to another control system of the vehicle (100) or interact with the user terminal (200) to provide the user with access to and control status of the vehicle (100).

[0083] The present invention may provide a UWB communication module comprising a plurality of UWB modules (120) that perform positioning and an MCU module (140) that controls the plurality of UWB modules (120). Specifically, the plurality of UWB modules (120) are configured to transmit a final data message (3-5) to the MCU module (140). Additionally, the MCU module (140) is configured to transmit first information, including the final data message (3-5) and session priority information, to the plurality of UWB modules (120). In this case, the final data message (3-5) may include at least one of next ranging round information and hopping sequence information. At this time, the plurality of UWB modules (120) may maintain session synchronization based on the first information received from the MCU module (140). In addition, even if at least one of the plurality of UWB modules (120) fails to transmit the final data message (3-5) to the MCU module (140), the MCU module (140) may be configured to transmit the first information to all of the plurality of UWB modules (120).

[0084] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but may be implemented in various forms of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. It is deemed that the scope of the claims of the present invention includes various modifications that are possible by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the invention pertains, without departing from the essence of the invention claimed in the claims.

[0085] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0086] 10: UWB communication system

[0087] 100: Vehicle

[0088] 100-1: 1st Vehicle

[0089] 100-2: Second Vehicle

[0090] 110: BLE module

[0091] 120: UWB module

[0092] 130: Control unit

[0093] 140: MCU Module

[0094] 200: User terminal

[0095] 200-1: First user terminal

[0096] 200-2: Second user terminal

[0097] 200-3: Third user terminal

[0098] 210: BLE module

[0099] 220: UWB module

[0100] 230: Control unit

[0101] 300: UWB Session

[0102] 300-1: 1st UWB Session

[0103] 300-2: 2nd UWB Session

[0104] 300-3: The 3rd UWB Session

[0105] 300-4: The 4th UWB Session

Claims

1. In a vehicle for preventing UWB session synchronization release based on an MCU module, Control unit; A BLE module that communicates with a BLE module of a user terminal; One or more UWB modules communicating with the UWB module of the user terminal; and An MCU module that communicates with the above UWB module; comprising, The above control unit is, The above BLE module is configured to control the BLE module so that it performs initial time synchronization with the BLE module of the user terminal, and the above UWB module is configured to control one or more UWB modules so that it receives a UWB signal from the UWB module of the user terminal and generates Time of Flight (ToF) data. The above control unit is, Even if there is a UWB module among the above one or more UWB modules that has not received a Final data message from the user terminal, the MCU module is configured to control the above one or more UWB modules to transmit additional information to the above one or more UWB modules. A vehicle for preventing UWB session synchronization loss based on an MCU module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above additional information is, At least one of the following information, which is Ranging Round information, Session Priority information, and Ranging Time information, A vehicle for preventing UWB session synchronization loss based on an MCU module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, If there is a UWB module among the above one or more UWB modules that has not received a Final data message from the user terminal, the MCU module is controlled to transmit additional information to the UWB module that has not received the Final data message. The above control unit is, Based on control of the above MCU module, the one or more UWB modules are configured to all maintain the same session state, A vehicle for preventing UWB session synchronization loss based on an MCU module.

4. In a UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss, A vehicle comprising a plurality of UWB modules and MCU modules; and The above plurality of UWB modules and a user terminal for performing positioning; The above MCU module is If there is a UWB module among the plurality of UWB modules that has not received a Final data message from the user terminal, Configured to transmit additional information to UWB modules that have not received the above Final data message, UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above additional information is, At least one of the following information, which is Ranging Round information, Session Priority information, and Ranging Time information, UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above MCU module is, Calculate the distance between the user terminal and the vehicle based on Time of Flight (ToF) data collected from the plurality of UWB modules, and Configured to determine the location of the user terminal based on the above-calculated distance, UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above MCU module is, Configured to transmit additional information to a UWB module that has not received the above Final data message, so as not to disable session synchronization between the UWB module that has not received the above Final data message and the user terminal. UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above MCU module is, Configured to transmit additional information to UWB modules that have not received the above Final data message, so that the plurality of UWB modules all share the same Ranging Round information and Session Priority information. UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss.

9. In Paragraph 4, The above MCU module is, configured to manage time synchronization information of the above plurality of UWB modules, UWB communication system for preventing UWB session synchronization loss.

10. In a UWB communication module, Multiple UWB modules performing positioning; and An MCU module that controls the above plurality of UWB modules; Includes, The above plurality of UWB modules are, It is configured to transmit a final data message to the above MCU module. The above MCU module is, Configured to transmit first information including the above final data message and session priority information to the plurality of UWB modules, UWB communication module.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above final data message is It includes at least one of next ranging round information and hopping sequence information, and The above plurality of UWB modules are Configured to maintain session synchronization based on the first information received from the MCU module, UWB communication module.

12. In Paragraph 11, Even if at least one of the plurality of UWB modules fails to transmit the final data message to the MCU module, The above MCU module is configured to transmit the first information to all of the plurality of UWB modules, UWB communication module.

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