Vehicle Passive Entry Using BLE and UWB Key Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passive entry/passive start (PEPS) systems using low-frequency radio protocols face limitations in accurately locating and authenticating key fobs beyond a few meters due to long wavelength issues and power consumption constraints, leading to security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system employing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication and impulse radio ultra-wide band (UWB) technology for two-way ranging, allowing sensors to determine the location of a portable device with higher accuracy and security, eliminating the need for continuous advertising signals, thus enhancing range and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-frequency radio protocols are used for PEPS systems, then the system can provide basic authentication and door unlocking functionality, but the system cannot reliably communicate with key fobs beyond a few meters due to long wavelength issues and power consumption constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines BLE and UWB technologies into a unified PEPS system. BLE handles initial connection and authentication, while UWB provides precise ranging and location determination. This merging allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual technologies and achieve both reliable communication and extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces BLE as an intermediary layer between the user and the vehicle. Instead of directly using LF for long-range communication, BLE establishes a initial connection and then triggers UWB for precise location verification. This intermediary approach allows the system to extend effective communication range while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If low-frequency radio protocols are used for PEPS systems, then the system can provide basic authentication functionality, but the system suffers from security vulnerabilities due to inability to accurately locate key fobs beyond short range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional LF radio wave-based location estimation with UWB impulse radio technology. UWB's time-of-flight measurement mechanism provides much higher precision for determining key fob location, replacing the imprecise LF signal strength-based estimation and thereby improving authentication security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for location determination from LF signal strength (which has poor precision) to UWB time-of-flight measurements (which provide high precision). This parameter change enables accurate location verification even at extended ranges, strengthening the authentication security.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional PEPS systems use LF signals for communication, then the system can operate within typical target activation range, but the system consumes excessive power and cannot maintain safe transmit power levels for extended range communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication where BLE establishes initial connection and then UWB performs ranging only when needed for authentication. This periodic action pattern reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous LF transmission, while still achieving extended effective communication range when authentication is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from continuous LF signals to on-demand UWB impulse signals. UWB's low peak power requirement allows the system to extend communication range while maintaining safe power levels, overcoming the fundamental limitation of LF systems that require high power for extended range.
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
The system provides secure and efficient long-range location determination and authentication of portable devices, reducing power consumption and mitigating security threats by using BLE and UWB for precise locationing and secure communication.
Implementation Method 1
The communication gateway is configured to instruct the at least one sensor to perform two-way ranging using IR UWB communication with the portable device
Implementation Method 2
A passive entry/passive start system for a vehicle includes a plurality of Bluetooth low energy communication devices distributed about a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is configured to receive connection information from a portable device via a communication gateway in a vehicle and to communicate with a portable device using impulse radio (IR) ultra-wide band (UWB) communication based on the connection information. A location of the portable device is determined based on ranging using IR UWB communication.