Bluetooth Vehicle Proximity Sensors With Hysteresis-Based Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved techniques to automate the activation and deactivation of security and convenience features in vehicle control systems, including remote start systems, security systems, rear view mirrors, doors, hatches, liftgates, and sunroofs, to enhance convenience and security in vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising Bluetooth-enabled vehicle control systems (VCS) and self-contained RF-enabled proximity sensors that detect authorized user mobile devices within predetermined distances, allowing for automatic performance of departure and arrival actions such as locking/unlocking doors, activating security systems, and adjusting vehicle features without wired connections, using Bluetooth communication for ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired electrical connections are used for proximity sensors in vehicle control systems, then system reliability and power supply stability are improved, but installation complexity and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidease of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless Bluetooth communication between proximity sensors and the vehicle control system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex wiring installation while maintaining system functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between installation ease and system reliability by using a more modern communication protocol that requires no physical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If self-contained battery-powered sensors are used, then ease of installation and installation flexibility are improved, but energy consumption and battery maintenance requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology that operates in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous monitoring. The proximity sensors and mobile devices perform distance measurements at intervals, allowing the system to maintain functionality while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation, thus resolving the energy consumption contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If automated departure and arrival detection is implemented, then user convenience and security are improved, but system complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal Bluetooth communication protocol that enables multiple functions (proximity detection, authentication, automated vehicle control) through a single communication interface. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, while still providing automated convenience features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that mediates between the user and the vehicle control system. The mobile device handles authentication, communicates proximity status, and triggers automated actions, simplifying the overall system architecture by offloading complex processing to the user's existing device rather than requiring complex embedded systems in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If Bluetooth Low Energy technology is used for proximity sensing, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but measurement precision and detection accuracy may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple Bluetooth signal measurement techniques (signal strength-based distance estimation, time of flight measurements, and periodic signal analysis) to achieve accurate proximity detection. By merging these different measurement approaches, the system maintains measurement precision while operating within the power constraints of Bluetooth Low Energy technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11866004B2Self-contained proximity sensors in wireless communication with vehicle control system and methods of their operation

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 VOXX INT CORP

AI summary

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.