Vehicle Position Detection Using ECU Radio Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems require extensive wiring and dedicated antennae to accurately detect the position of portable devices, leading to increased wiring space and weight due to the need for multiple communication lines and antennae installations.
Innovation Solution
A position detection system utilizing a network of electronic control devices that communicate via radio signals, where each device includes a signal intensity detector and transmitter to determine the position of a radio wave transmitting body without dedicated antennae, using signal intensity information and pre-stored disposition data to accurately locate the portable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated antennae and multiple communication lines are installed to accurately detect portable device position, then position detection accuracy is improved, but wiring space and wire harness weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling ECUs to serve dual purposes: their existing communication radio units are used both for their primary control functions and for position detection of portable devices. The same antenna structures serving communication purposes are also utilized for detecting portable device positions, eliminating the need for dedicated detection antennae and reducing wiring requirements.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated antennae and multiple communication lines are installed to accurately detect portable device position, then position detection accuracy is improved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling ECUs to serve dual purposes: their existing communication radio units are used both for their primary control functions and for position detection of portable devices. The same antenna structures serving communication purposes are also utilized for detecting portable device positions, eliminating the need for dedicated detection antennae and reducing wiring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position detection function with the existing ECU communication system. By combining the portable device position detection capability with the already-deployed ECU network and antenna structures, the system achieves accurate position detection without adding separate detection infrastructure, thereby reducing overall wiring complexity.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated antennae are installed in multiple positions to accurately detect portable device position, then position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling ECUs to serve dual purposes: their existing communication radio units are used both for their primary control functions and for position detection of portable devices. The same antenna structures serving communication purposes are also utilized for detecting portable device positions, eliminating the need for dedicated detection antennae and reducing wiring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position detection function with the existing ECU communication system. By combining the portable device position detection capability with the already-deployed ECU network and antenna structures, the system achieves accurate position detection without adding separate detection infrastructure, thereby reducing overall wiring 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 solution allows for accurate detection of the portable device's position without additional antennae, reducing the need for wire harnesses and enhancing design flexibility while minimizing vehicle weight and wiring complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitting/receiving unit (21) that transmits and receives a radio signal
Implementation Method 2
a first signal intensity detector (22) that detects signal intensity of the radio signal, which is transmitted from the radio wave transmitting body (3) and received by the first transmitting/receiving unit (21)
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-wave-transmitting-body position detection system in a vehicle system has a plurality of electronic control devices that are included in a vehicle, and a radio wave transmitting body that transmits a radio signal to the plurality of electronic control devices. The electronic control devices conduct communication with each other using the radio signal. Each electronic control device includes a first electronic control device that conducts communication with the other electronic control device and the radio wave transmitting body using the radio signal, and controls a device included in the vehicle based on a content of the radio signal transmitted from the radio wave transmitting body. The electronic control devices except the first electronic control device include a first transmitting/receiving unit that transmits and receives the radio signal.