Vehicle PEPS Localization Using Synchronized BLE Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Passive Entry/Passive Start (PEPS) systems using low-frequency radio protocols face limitations in accurately locating key fobs beyond a few meters due to long wavelength issues, leading to unreliable communication and security vulnerabilities, especially with the use of proprietary and closed systems that do not leverage ubiquitous devices like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A PEPS system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, with a communication gateway and sensors that establish a secure connection with portable devices, measure signal information, and determine the device's location, allowing secure access to vehicle functions while preventing unauthorized access and mitigating injection attacks through timing synchronization and data validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-frequency radio protocols are used for PEPS systems, then the system can provide basic key fob authentication and vehicle access control, but the system cannot reliably communicate with key fobs beyond a few meters due to long wavelength limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication technologies (low-frequency radio protocols and Bluetooth Low Energy) into a unified PEPS system. The BLE module communicates with the key fob over longer distances to establish connection and transmit authentication data, while the LF radio protocol handles the final vehicle access control. This merging allows the system to overcome the limited range of LF protocols while maintaining secure authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces BLE communication as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle access control system. Instead of relying solely on LF radio protocols that have limited range, the system uses BLE to bridge the gap by communicating with the key fob at longer distances, then relaying authentication information to the vehicle's control unit. This intermediary approach solves the range limitation while maintaining security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PEPS systems use proprietary closed systems, then the system can maintain security control, but the system cannot leverage ubiquitous devices like smartphones and has limited adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PEPS system universal by supporting multiple communication protocols (LF radio and BLE) and enabling compatibility with various devices including smartphones, tablets, and traditional key fobs. The system can authenticate different types of devices using their respective protocols, allowing users to access the vehicle with ubiquitous devices like smartphones while maintaining support for traditional key fobs. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability without compromising security.
3Reliability
If low-frequency signals are used for PEPS communication, then the system can provide basic authentication functionality, but the system consumes excessive power and has unreliable communication beyond short ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication actions where the system alternates between BLE and LF radio protocol usage. BLE communication occurs periodically to maintain connection and exchange authentication data over longer distances with lower power consumption. The LF radio protocol is activated periodically for final authentication and vehicle access control. This periodic switching optimizes power consumption by using the more energy-efficient BLE for long-range communication while reserving LF for critical authentication functions.
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
The BLE-based PEPS system provides secure, long-range, and power-efficient access to vehicle features, enhancing security and convenience by accurately locating authorized devices and preventing unauthorized access, while reducing energy consumption and addressing vulnerabilities in traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
measure signal information about at least one communication signal sent from the portable device to the communication gateway
Implementation Method 2
the signal information includes at least one of a timestamp, an angle of arrival, and a time difference of arrival
Implementation Method 3
the signal information includes at least one of a timestamp, an angle of arrival, and a time difference of arrival
Implementation Method 4
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication connection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for localization and passive entry/passive start (PEPS) systems for vehicles are provided. A communication gateway in a vehicle configured to establish a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication connection with a portable device. Sensors are configured to measure signal information about a communication signal sent from the portable device. A localization module is configured to receive the signal information from the sensors and determine a location of the portable device based on the signal information. A passive entry/passive start (PEPS) system is configured to receive the location of the portable device from the localization module and perform a vehicle function including at least one of unlocking a door of the vehicle, unlocking a trunk of the vehicle, and allowing the vehicle to be started based on the location of the portable device. Each of the plurality of sensors are synchronized.