Vehicle Key Fob Range Polling for Energy-Aware Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in efficiently determining the range of a portable control device to the vehicle while managing energy consumption and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for autonomous maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the polling rate based on vehicle motion, with different rates for stationary and moving states, and includes a method to manage energy usage by varying scan signal emission rates and stopping scans when not required, using RF signals and existing access control hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the polling rate is increased to improve real-time monitoring of portable control device range during autonomous maneuvers, then the responsiveness and safety monitoring is improved, but the energy consumption of the portable control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polling rate is made dynamic rather than static, adjusting between a first polling rate during stationary periods and a second, higher polling rate during motion. This allows the system to maintain high safety monitoring when needed while reducing energy consumption during low-risk periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polling rate parameter based on vehicle motion state. When the vehicle is in motion, the polling rate increases to improve safety monitoring; when stationary, the polling rate decreases to conserve energy, thus adapting the parameter to operational conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the polling rate is decreased to reduce energy consumption of the portable control device, then the energy usage is optimized, but the real-time monitoring capability and safety response are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polling rate adapts dynamically to the vehicle's operational state, being lower when stationary and higher when in motion, thus optimizing energy consumption without compromising safety during critical maneuvering periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The polling rate parameter is adjusted based on motion detection, changing from a first rate to a second rate, ensuring energy efficiency during low-risk states while maintaining safety monitoring capability during high-risk operational states.
3Reliability
If continuous scan signals are emitted to maintain constant monitoring of portable control device location, then the safety and monitoring reliability is improved, but the battery usage of the portable control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic polling at adjusted intervals. The polling occurs at a first rate when stationary and a second, higher rate when in motion, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining necessary monitoring reliability during critical periods.
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
Effectively determines the range to a portable control device while optimizing energy usage and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, enabling safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
The control system determines a range from the vehicle to a portable control device associated with the vehicle. The scan signal and scan response signal are typically RF signals.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system (100) for a vehicle, for determining a range from the vehicle to a portable control device associated with the vehicle. The control system comprises a signal input (106) for receiving a range request signal; a scan output (110) for triggering emission of a scan signal; a scan input (112) for receiving a scan response signal originating from the portable control device in response to the scan signal; a signal output (108) for transmitting data to the electronic control unit; where in dependence on receipt of the range request signal, the scan signal is sent; in dependence on the scan response signal, range data indicative of the range from the vehicle to the portable control device is determined; and the range data is output. The control system may operate with an existing access control system such that the key fob of the access control system may operate as the portable control device.