Vehicle Access Control Key Fob Power Mode Switching by Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keyless entry systems for vehicles face challenges in minimizing energy consumption to extend battery life, particularly due to extensive wireless communication requirements for accurate positional tracking of access control devices.
Innovation Solution
A controller that selectively switches the access control device between high and low power modes based on determined positional data, activating the low power mode when the device is in designated areas with low usage, such as home or work, to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the access control device continuously monitors position and maintains full operational responsiveness, then accurate positional tracking and immediate access control are achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access control device dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on position. When the device is inside the vehicle, it operates in full responsiveness mode with continuous monitoring and immediate access control. When outside the vehicle, it transitions to a power-saving mode with reduced operational capacity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system's responsiveness variable rather than constant, matching operational needs to actual usage contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including response time thresholds and monitoring frequency based on the device's location relative to the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, the system uses short response thresholds and high monitoring frequency for immediate access control. Outside the vehicle, it extends response thresholds and reduces monitoring frequency to minimize power consumption while maintaining security.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the access control device extends response thresholds to enter sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to user actions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different response time characteristics to different spatial locations. When the access control device is inside the vehicle, it maintains short response thresholds for immediate user interaction. When outside the vehicle, it extends response thresholds to enable sleep mode entry, accepting longer response times in exchange for reduced power consumption. This local differentiation of response quality based on location resolves the contradiction between power savings and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The response threshold is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting based on the device's position relative to the vehicle. The system continuously monitors position and adapts the response threshold accordingly, ensuring optimal balance between power consumption and response time for each operational context.
3Ease of operation
If the access control device operates in full responsiveness mode, then immediate access control is provided, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of the device's position and operational context, adjusting the operational mode accordingly. Rather than continuous full responsiveness, the system periodically checks whether the device is inside or outside the vehicle and switches modes appropriately, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of responsiveness based on location. Inside the vehicle, full responsiveness is maintained for immediate access control. Outside the vehicle, responsiveness is reduced to extend battery life. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making responsiveness conditional rather than constant.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a controller (20) for controlling operation of an access control device (2) for a vehicle (3). The access control device (2) is selectively operable in a first operating mode (P1) and a second operating mode (P2). The access control device (2) is in a limited response mode when operating in the first operating mode (P1). The controller (20) includes a processor (24) and a memory means (23). The processor (24) is configured to determine a position of the access control device (2) and to generate a control signal for activating the first operating mode (P1). The control signal is generated in dependence on the determined position of the access control device (2). The controller (20) may be provided in the access control device (2). The present disclosure also relates to a method of controlling operation of an access control device (2).