Phone-as-a-Key Localization with Adaptive Fidelity Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Remote Park Assist (RePA) systems face challenges in precise user localization without a key fob, particularly in reducing computational load and maintaining vehicle security, as Bluetooth localization may lack precision and impose significant computational burdens on mobile devices and vehicle systems.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an initial high-fidelity starting point for mobile device localization, transitioning to low-fidelity measurements using a single Bluetooth Low Energy Module (BLEM) antenna, reducing computational load by leveraging vehicle motion and incorporating ultrasonic and radar imaging for precision, and geo-fencing to trusted zones for reduced motive functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Bluetooth localization is used without a key fob, then user convenience is improved, but localization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidlocalization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the localization process into two distinct phases: an initial high-fidelity localization phase using multiple antennas and algorithms to establish accurate starting points, and a subsequent low-fidelity tracking phase using a single antenna to follow user movement. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high precision when needed while reducing computational load during continuous tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If high-fidelity localization is continuously performed, then localization accuracy is improved, but computational load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidcomputational load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary high-fidelity localization to establish accurate starting points before the vehicle enters motive mode. These pre-computed high-precision locations are stored and used as reference points for subsequent low-fidelity tracking during vehicle operation, eliminating the need for continuous high-computational localization calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between high-fidelity and low-fidelity localization modes based on vehicle state. High-fidelity localization is performed when the vehicle is stationary or entering motive mode, while low-fidelity tracking is used during continuous motion. This dynamic adaptation optimizes computational resource usage while maintaining adequate localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple BLE antennas are used for localization, then localization precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments antenna usage into different phases: multiple BLE antennas are activated during the initial high-fidelity localization phase to establish accurate starting points, but only a single antenna remains active during subsequent low-fidelity tracking. This segmentation maintains localization precision when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 user localization accuracy while minimizing computational resources, maintaining vehicle control options and safety by reducing processing speed and vehicle functionality when the mobile device is not within the high-fidelity zone, thus improving usability and security.

Implementation Method 1

determining a change in geographic position of a mobile device with respect to a vehicle using a low-fidelity Bluetooth Low Energy Module (BLEM) antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth Low Energy signal propagation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 2

incorporating ultrasonic and radar imaging for precision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic imaging: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

incorporating ultrasonic and radar imaging for precision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar imaging: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS11535196B2Remote vehicle motive control with optimized mobile device localization

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A device localization system for a vehicle and a mobile device configured as a Phone-as-a-Key (PaaK) is described. The system includes a fob-free mode for performing remote control vehicle features using a selective mobile device localization technique that reduces motive functionality of the vehicle, based location of a user performing the vehicle control during the remote-control operation. The system determines a geographic position of a user using a single Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and establishes establish a high-fidelity zone based on a change in mobile device position. The system reduces a motive functionality of the vehicle, based on the selective mobile device localization, from a first motive mode having a full motive functionality to a second motive mode responsive to determining that the mobile device is not present in the high-fidelity zone.