Passive Vehicle Start Identifier Detection Using Stable RSSI Proximity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting a vehicle identification number (VIN) for passive starting are prone to user-intentional or unintentional calibration distortions, which can result in non-compliance with Thatcham criteria for permissible starting distances.

Innovation Solution

A method involving power measurements and stability checks using a primary and secondary transmitter/receiver system, with automatic calibration initiated when the identifier is in contact or proximity to a reception surface, ensuring stable conditions are met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual calibration is initiated by the user before first use of passive functions, then the identifier can be paired with the vehicle, but the user can intentionally or unintentionally distort calibration results causing non-compliance with Thatcham criteria

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual calibration initiationVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic calibration without user intervention. The vehicle autonomously detects the identifier, measures signal characteristics, and completes calibration in the background, eliminating user-induced errors while maintaining calibration functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration automatically during the first pairing process before the user can interfere. By pre-establishing the calibration routine as an automated sequence, the system ensures accurate baseline measurements are captured before any potential user distortion can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle uses Bluetooth Low Energy identifiers for passive starting, then communication between vehicle and identifier is enabled, but calibration is required before each first use which can be distorted by users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier compatibilityVSAvoidcalibration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is extracted from user-controlled operations and placed entirely within the vehicle's automated system. The complex calibration measurements and computations are performed exclusively by the vehicle's processor, removing the problematic human element while preserving BLE identifier versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's processor acts as an intermediary that mediates the calibration process between the identifier and the passive starting function. It autonomously manages the entire calibration sequence, signal measurements, and threshold establishment, simplifying the user experience while ensuring compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the identifier is placed on a designated surface inside the passenger compartment, then the vehicle can detect the identifier is inside, but the system cannot distinguish between intentional placement and accidental proximity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier location detectionVSAvoiduser interaction requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses excessive measurement actions by taking multiple RSSI measurements over an extended time period (at least 5 seconds) rather than a single quick measurement. This partial repetition of measurements allows the system to distinguish between stable placement and transient proximity through statistical analysis of measurement consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Ensures accurate and reliable passive starting by automating calibration, preventing user interference and ensuring compliance with Thatcham regulations, enhancing user experience and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of power measurements in reception of received signals, received signals corresponding to signals emitted by a primary transmitter/receiver of an identifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio signal propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4034433B1Method for detecting an identifier for passive starting of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP4034433B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4034433B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4034433B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for detecting (P) an identifier (1) for the passive starting of a vehicle (2), the identifier (1) comprising a primary transmitter/receiver (13) and the vehicle (2) comprising a secondary transmitter/receiver (23) and a receiving surface (24) configured to receive the identifier (1), according to which the detection method (P) comprises: - taking (E1) a plurality of measurements of the reception power (RSSI) at which received signals (S1') are received, - comparing (E2) the reception power (RSSI) measurements with a threshold power (p1), - detecting (E4) that the identifier (1) is in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the receiving surface (24) if the reception power (RSSI) measurements are greater than or equal to the threshold power (p1) and if a stability condition (C1) is verified.