Vehicle Cabin Sensor Array for Mobile Device Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems face limitations in consistently and accurately detecting the location of mobile and nomadic devices within the cabin, particularly due to inconsistent antenna sensitivity and range, which affects secure pairing and communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sensor groups with directional waveguides and antennas tuned to specific electromagnetic frequencies, integrated into the vehicle's headliner or seats, to detect and adjust sensitivity within a limited effective range, enabling precise location detection of mobile devices relative to specific seat positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional omnidirectional antennas are used in vehicle cabins, then the coverage area is large, but the location detection precision and seat position accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by replacing omnidirectional antennas with directional antennas that concentrate electromagnetic energy in specific directions corresponding to seat locations. Each antenna is optimized to detect mobile devices in its specific directional zone, improving location detection precision while maintaining adequate coverage through the array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vehicle cabin detection space into multiple zones, each covered by a specific antenna in the array. By dividing the detection area and assigning dedicated directional antennas to each zone, the system achieves both adequate coverage and precise location identification within each segment.
2Reliability
If antenna sensitivity is increased to detect mobile devices, then the detection range extends, but the ability to distinguish specific seat positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses directional antennas with specific beam patterns that provide enhanced sensitivity in targeted directions corresponding to seat positions. Each antenna's radiation pattern is optimized to maximize detection reliability in its specific angular sector while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different seat locations through directional discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular/directional dimension to the detection system by using directional antennas arranged in an array. This adds spatial orientation information to the detection capability, allowing the system to distinguish seat positions based on the direction of received signals while maintaining detection sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arrayed throughout the cabin, then the location detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple antennas that can function both as transmitters and receivers, and each antenna serves multiple purposes: detecting mobile devices, determining seat positions, and providing directional information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional capabilities into a unified antenna array system. The same antenna elements used for wireless communication also perform detection and localization functions, merging communication and sensing functions into a single integrated system to manage complexity.
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
This configuration allows for accurate and consistent detection of mobile device locations and keycodes, enabling secure communication and command generation responsive to the device's position, enhancing vehicle operation and user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antennas configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies... detect a location and/or seat position and one or more keycodes transmitted by and emitted by the one or more nomadic and/or mobile devices located in the cabin
Implementation Method 2
The directional waveguide(s) may be formed from reflective, absorptive, and combination materials that are configured to adjust the sensitivity and electromagnetic responsiveness of the antennas
Implementation Method 3
The directional waveguide(s) may be formed from reflective, absorptive, and combination materials that are configured to adjust the sensitivity and electromagnetic responsiveness of the antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes at least one and/or one or more in-vehicle and/or onboard controller(s) that is/are coupled to spaced apart sensor groups that are arrayed within a headliner and/or seats of the vehicle cabin. Each sensor group generally corresponds to and/or with a plurality of and/or one or more seat positions, each having a single seat, and which include a driver zone seat position that has a driver seat. Each sensor group in the array includes at least one signal processor, and a plurality of transceivers, antennas, and/or sensors configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies and/or powers. Also included are electromagnetically active, directional waveguides that adjust, amplify, and/or attenuate the sensitivity of each of the respective antennas, to electromagnetic energy detected and received from mobile devices located in the vehicle cabin, such that the sensitivity is limited to electromagnetic emissions within a limited effective range for each antenna.