RF Transceiver Role Switching for Secure Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF systems, such as keyless entry systems, face challenges in accurately determining the position of multiple key fobs and devices simultaneously while maintaining optimal Quality of Service (QoS) and preventing unauthorized access, particularly due to signal relay attacks and the need for simultaneous ranging sessions.
Innovation Solution
A RF system with multiple transceiver node devices that can dynamically switch between roles, including listening to active sessions, scanning for new sessions, staying idle, and scanning other RF systems, under the control of a controller device, which optimizes role assignments based on signal quality, battery state, and environmental activity to ensure secure and efficient access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transceiver node continuously listens for new ranging sessions and maintains active communication sessions, then the Quality of Service (QoS) and responsiveness are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver node dynamically switches between different roles (idle, listening for new sessions, listening to active sessions) based on current system conditions and requirements, allowing it to adapt its energy consumption profile while maintaining necessary service quality
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device periodically switches the transceiver node between different roles according to a defined schedule or based on detected conditions, enabling the system to balance energy savings with service availability through time-based role assignment
2Productivity
If multiple transceiver node devices are used to enable simultaneous ranging sessions with multiple key fobs, then the productivity and service capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transceiver node device is designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing different roles (idle, listening for new sessions, listening to active sessions, scanning other RF systems) depending on its current assignment, which allows the system to achieve high productivity without proportionally increasing the number of specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns and switches roles among transceiver node devices based on current operational needs, allowing the same hardware resources to be flexibly allocated to different functions, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high simultaneous ranging capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transceiver node switches roles frequently to optimize QoS and respond to new sessions, then the adaptability and response time are improved, but the system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller device monitors system conditions and uses this feedback to make informed decisions about role switching, ensuring that transitions occur at appropriate moments and only when necessary, thereby maintaining stability while enabling adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Role switching is performed periodically or according to a structured schedule rather than continuously or randomly, which provides predictability to the system behavior and maintains stability while still allowing for adaptive responses to changing conditions
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
Enables simultaneous ranging sessions with multiple key fobs or devices, improves Quality of Service (QoS) by dynamically managing transceiver node roles, and enhances security by preventing unauthorized access through adaptive role switching and optimized power management.
Implementation Method 1
a first role comprising listening or answering to a message from an active communication session
Implementation Method 2
An RF ranging system employs the Time-of-Flight principle to determine the distance between two objects or markers on objects
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a RF system (100) having at least one transceiver node device (110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) that is capable to assume, at a controllable point in time and/or for a controllable time period, each one of the following roles (210, 220, 230, 240): a first role (210) comprising listening or answering to a message from an active communication session, in particular ranging sessions, a second role (220) comprising listening for new communication sessions, in particular ranging sessions, a third role (230) comprising staying idle, and optionally a third role (230) comprising scanning for ongoing communication sessions, in particular ranging sessions, of other RF systems. The RF system (100) further comprises a controller device (134) communicatively interlinked with the at least one, in particular each, transceiver node device (110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) and capable to control an assignment of roles to the at least one, in particular each, transceiver node device, in particular to control for a transceiver node device a point in time to assume a role and/or a duration of performing a role and/or a duty cycle of performing a role (210, 220, 230, 240).