Two-Beacon Vehicle Identifier Detection Using Distance-to-Line Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting an identifier associated with a vehicle, such as in PEPS systems, require complex calculations and multiple beacons, making them inefficient for determining the presence of an identifier in a rectangular zone.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using two beacons to evaluate distances and calculate a distance between the identifier and a straight line passing through the beacons, with additional comparisons to determine the presence of the identifier in a rectangular area, simplifying the process by using a processor and memory to execute instructions for these calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If trilateration techniques with three beacons are used to determine identifier position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and calculation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of beacons and calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for presence detection - the distance from the identifier to the line passing through the two beacons - rather than calculating full trilateral position coordinates. This extraction approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for presence determination while eliminating the complexity of three-beacon trilateration and coordinate calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the position determination problem into two independent checks: first determining whether the identifier is within the lateral bounds (distance to line threshold), and second determining whether it is within the longitudinal bounds (projection distance between beacons). This segmentation allows using only two beacons while maintaining detection accuracy for rectangular zone presence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If complex coordinate calculations are performed to determine identifier position, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidcalculation processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the distance to the line parameter needed for presence detection, avoiding full coordinate calculation. This is achieved by calculating the distance from the identifier to the line passing through the two beacons using a simplified formula that directly yields the required measurement without determining full position coordinates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary geometric setup by defining the line passing through the two beacons and establishing the rectangular zone boundaries in advance. This preliminary action allows subsequent presence checks to use simple distance comparisons rather than complex real-time coordinate transformations and calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If three beacons are used for trilateration, then measurement precision is improved, but quantity of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of beacons
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential geometric relationship (distance to line) that can be determined with only two beacons, eliminating the need for the third beacon required by trilateration. The distance from the identifier to the line passing through the two beacons provides sufficient information for presence detection in the rectangular zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement dimension from three-dimensional position coordinates (requiring three beacons for trilateration) to a two-dimensional distance-to-line measurement combined with a one-dimensional projection distance check. This dimensional transformation allows accurate presence detection using only two beacons

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick exclusion of the identifier's presence in most cases with limited calculations and additional comparisons, allowing for efficient determination of the identifier's presence in a rectangular zone using only two beacons.

Implementation Method 1

the respective distances between the identifier and a plurality of beacons are evaluated, typically on the basis of respective time of flight of radio waves used in wireless links established between the identifier and these beacons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3308194B1Device and method for determining the presence of an identifier, and associated computer program
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP3308194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3308194B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3308194B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for determining the presence of an identifier (I) in a rectangular zone (R) associated with a vehicle (V) and equipped with two beacons (B1, B2). An analysis module of the determination device evaluates, by means of each of the two beacons (B1, B2), the distance separating the identifier (I) and the beacon concerned (B1; B2). The analysis module calculates, as a function of the two distances evaluated, a value representative of a distance between the identifier (I) and a straight line (MM') passing through the two beacons (B1, B2) and concludes the absence of the identifier (I) in the rectangular zone (R) if the distance between the identifier (I) and the straight line (MM') is greater than a predetermined threshold. A method for determining presence of the identifier and an associated computer program are also described.