BLE Sniffer Positioning for Vehicle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle electronic locking systems based on LF and HF radio communication face limitations in accuracy and ease of use due to proprietary ID transmitters and the need for constant carrying, lacking a high-speed and secure alternative for determining the position of a mobile device relative to a vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, with a vehicle system comprising a BLE central interface and multiple BLE satellite interfaces, including a sniffer module, to monitor and determine the position of a mobile BLE device by recording signal strength and using transmission parameters for accurate and secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If LF/HF radio communication is used for position determination, then position determination is possible with less effort and higher accuracy, but proprietary ID transmitters are required which are not adaptable and must be constantly carried

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidadaptability of ID transmitter

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a mobile BLE device (smartphone) that can serve multiple functions: it acts as both the position determination target and the communication interface. The vehicle system communicates with this universal device through BLE, eliminating the need for proprietary ID transmitters while maintaining position determination capability. The smartphone's existing BLE functionality is leveraged for vehicle access and position tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the mobile BLE device as a mediator between the user and the vehicle system. Instead of direct communication between the vehicle and a dedicated ID transmitter, the mobile device serves as an intermediary that carries the user's identification and enables communication with the vehicle through standard BLE protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If LF communication is used for position determination, then position determination can be carried out with higher accuracy, but the system complexity increases due to proprietary components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the dedicated LF/HF radio communication hardware with software-based BLE communication. Instead of requiring specialized radio frequency hardware for position determination, the system uses the mobile device's existing BLE radio and software stack, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by leveraging the mobile device's existing BLE communication capabilities rather than creating a new proprietary communication system. The vehicle system copies or replicates position determination functionality using standard BLE protocols that are already implemented in mobile devices, avoiding the need for custom hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple BLE satellite interfaces are used for position determination, then position determination accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption of BLE interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by having the vehicle's BLE satellite interfaces periodically measure signal strength from the mobile device rather than continuously monitoring. The system performs position determination measurements at intervals, allowing the BLE interfaces to enter low-power states between measurements. This periodic measurement approach maintains position determination accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3580938B1Method for determining relative position of a ble-device with respect to a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a mobile BLE device (1) relative to a vehicle (2). The BLE device (1) has a BLE interface (3), and the vehicle (1) has a system (4) of BLE interfaces (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) having a BLE central interface (5) and at least one first BLE satellite interface (6), preferably additional BLE satellite interfaces (7, 9, 10, 11). The BLE satellite interfaces (6, 7, 9, 10, 11) have a sniffer module (6a, 7a, 9a, 10a, 11a). The method comprises that the BLE satellite interfaces (6, 7, 9, 10, 11) monitor a communication between the BLE central interface (5) and the BLE interface (3) of the mobile BLE device (1) in the connection mode. Signal strengths detected during monitoring are used for determining the position of the BLE device (1).