BLE-UWB Proximity Switching for Digital Key Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The digital key standard provided by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) lacks a specific scheme for the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to operate the Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, leading to inefficiencies in distance measurement and location-based services.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is equipped with a communication module and processor that establishes a BLE connection, measures distance using BLE and UWB technologies, and performs location-based actions based on predefined distance ranges to optimize the use of UWB technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses BLE technology as an intermediary to establish initial connection and perform coarse distance measurement before activating UWB. The BLE connection acts as a mediator that filters when UWB should be activated, only enabling it when devices are in proximity (BLE RSSI threshold met), thus avoiding continuous UWB operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between BLE and UWB technologies based on real-time proximity conditions. When BLE detects devices are close (RSSI above threshold), UWB is activated for precise measurement; when devices are far apart, UWB remains inactive. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision according to actual needs
2Ease of operation
If BLE technology operates continuously, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the patent implements periodic distance measurement using BLE RSSI at controlled intervals. The system periodically checks proximity conditions and only activates UWB when necessary, transforming continuous energy consumption into periodic, conditional operations that maintain availability while reducing overall power usage
3Productivity
If UWB technology is activated based on BLE proximity detection, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance measurement function into two distinct parts: BLE handles initial connection establishment and coarse proximity detection, while UWB handles precise distance measurement. This segmentation allows each technology to specialize in its optimal function, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through clear functional division rather than requiring one system to do everything
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device configured to establish a first Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connection with an external electronic device, measure a distance between the external electronic device and the electronic device based on a first distance measurement scheme, identify whether the distance is within a set range between a first distance and a second distance. Based on a determination that the distance is within the set range, measure a distance between the external electronic device and the electronic device based on a second distance measurement scheme and establish a second BLE connection with the external electronic device. Based on a determination that the distance measured based on the second distance measurement scheme is shorter than the second distance, measure a distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on an ultra-wide band (UWB) technology.