Multiplexed Antenna Circuit Network for Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive vehicle access systems require user-initiated actions to wake up portable access devices, such as key fobs or mobile phones, which can be inconvenient and may not efficiently determine the location of these devices relative to the vehicle, leading to potential security and accuracy issues in vehicle access control.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple antenna circuits and transceivers that cycle through these circuits to exchange radio frequency signals with portable access devices to determine their location, using timing information, received signal strength indicator data, or range estimates, allowing for secure and efficient vehicle access control without the need for multiple transceivers, thereby reducing complexity and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transceivers are used to exchange RF signals with portable access devices, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna circuits into a single transceiver system, where one transceiver cycles through multiple antenna circuits to perform RF signal exchange. This merging approach maintains the ability to determine location accuracy through multiple signal paths while reducing the total number of transceivers required, thereby lowering device complexity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver employs periodic cycling through different antenna circuits in a sequential manner. Each antenna circuit is activated in turn to exchange RF signals with the portable access device, allowing the system to gather location data from multiple antennas over time without requiring multiple simultaneously active transceivers.
2Reliability
If multiple transceivers are deployed, then location determination reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna circuits are merged into a single transceiver operation, where one transceiver shares the RF signal exchange duty across multiple antennas. This consolidation maintains reliability through diverse signal paths while significantly reducing power consumption compared to having multiple independently operating transceivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver cycles periodically through different antenna circuits, activating each antenna in sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic activation allows the system to maintain reliable location determination through multiple measurement opportunities while keeping power consumption low by ensuring only one antenna is active at any given moment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple antenna circuits are used, then location determination accuracy is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple transceivers into a single transceiver that shares multiple antenna circuits. This approach allows location determination using multiple spatially distributed antennas while avoiding the need for separate transceiver hardware at each antenna location, thereby reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By cycling through antenna circuits periodically, the system can use antennas located at different positions on the vehicle to determine portable device location. The periodic switching allows efficient use of available antenna circuits without requiring all antennas to be simultaneously active, optimizing space utilization.
4Use of energy by moving object
If user-initiated actions are required to wake up portable access devices, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring for wake-up triggers (such as door handle pulls or approach detection) before the portable device needs to be fully activated. This allows the vehicle system to prepare for communication and reduce the power state requirements of the portable device, improving convenience while managing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable access device is designed to wake up automatically in response to vehicle-initiated signals or environmental triggers without requiring explicit user actions. The device self-manages its power state transitions, waking up when needed for authentication and returning to low-power state afterward, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining power efficiency.
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 location determination and security of vehicle access systems by minimizing the number of transceivers, reducing errors in time-of-flight measurements, and allowing for more efficient communication and packaging in limited vehicle spaces, while maintaining secure access control.
Implementation Method 1
A first transceiver and control module. The first transceiver is connected to the first multiplexer and configured to cycle through the first antenna circuits to facilitate determination of a location of a portable access device relative to a vehicle. The first transceiver is configured to allocate periods of time for each of the first antenna circuits and during each period of time exchange radio frequency signals with the portable access device
Implementation Method 2
The first transceiver is configured to allocate periods of time for each of the first antenna circuits and during each period of time exchange radio frequency signals with the portable access device to obtain at least one of (i) timing information associated with transmission of the radio frequency signals, (ii) received signal strength indicator information associated with transmission of the radio frequency signals, or (iii) a range estimate of the portable access device relative to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes antenna circuits void of transceivers, a multiplexer connected to the antenna circuits, a transceiver and a control module. The transceiver is connected to the multiplexer and cycles through the antenna circuits to facilitate determination of a location of a portable access device relative to a vehicle. The transceiver allocates periods of time for each of the antenna circuits and during each period of time exchanges radio frequency signals with the portable access device to obtain timing information associated with transmission of the radio frequency signals or a range estimate of the portable access device relative to the vehicle. The range estimates are estimates of distances between the antenna circuits and the portable access device. The location is determined based on the timing information or the range estimates. The control module, based on the determined location, provides access to the vehicle or control of a vehicle system.