Mobile Device Tethering for Remote Parking Assist
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote parking assist systems face challenges in accurately determining the distance between a mobile device and a vehicle, particularly due to the limitations of GPS accuracy, which fails to meet regulatory requirements, such as the 6-meter distance requirement in European regulations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with first and second wireless modules and a processor that estimates a region of probability for the mobile device's location based on signal strength indicators, polls a key fob when within a virtual boundary, and enables autonomous parking when the key fob is within the boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates comparison is used to determine mobile device distance from vehicle, then the system is simple to implement, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient to meet regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance measurement task into two parts: first using GPS for coarse location estimation, then using signal strength indicators (RSSI) from wireless modules for fine-grained distance measurement when the mobile device is near the vehicle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without requiring expensive dedicated measurement equipment throughout the entire operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal strength indicators as an intermediary measurement mechanism. Instead of directly measuring distance, the system uses RSSI values from wireless communications (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) as an intermediate parameter that correlates with distance. This intermediary approach enables accurate near-field distance measurement using existing commercial wireless technologies.
2Measurement precision
If signal strength indicators are used to estimate mobile device location, then measurement accuracy improves, but reliability decreases due to signal variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of signal strength characteristics during system setup. The system collects RSSI measurements at known distances and establishes baseline relationships between signal strength and distance for the specific vehicle-mobile device configuration. This preliminary action creates a reference model that compensates for signal variability during actual operation, improving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors signal strength indicators and compares them against expected values based on the virtual boundary model. When discrepancies are detected, the system can trigger re-calibration or adjust measurements, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability despite signal variability. The feedback also enables dynamic adjustment of the virtual boundary based on actual measurement patterns.
3Reliability
If a virtual boundary is implemented to enforce distance requirements, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless modules serve multiple functions: they provide both communication capabilities for remote parking control and distance measurement for regulatory compliance. By using the same Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules for dual purposes, the system achieves reliable distance measurement and virtual boundary enforcement without adding dedicated measurement hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own wireless transmission signals to measure distance, rather than requiring separate measurement equipment. The vehicle's wireless modules measure the signal strength of transmissions from the mobile device, and the mobile device can similarly measure signals from the vehicle. This self-service approach leverages existing operational signals for compliance measurement, avoiding additional 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 approach enhances the accuracy of determining the mobile device's location relative to the vehicle, ensuring compliance with regulatory distance requirements and enabling reliable autonomous parking operations.
Implementation Method 1
estimates a region of probability representative of possible locations of a mobile device based on a first signal strength indicator
Implementation Method 2
The key fob communicates on a first set of frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes first and second wireless modules and a processor. The processor estimates a region of probability representative of possible locations of a mobile device based on a first signal strength indicator. When the region of probability overlaps a virtual boundary, the processor polls a key fob, estimates a distance of the key fob from the vehicle based on a second signal strength indicator, and when the key fob is within the virtual boundary, enable autonomous parking.