RFID Interrogator and Nomadic Device for Vehicle Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face difficulty in locating their parked vehicles in large public parking lots, as existing methods like remote keyless entry systems are indirect and may attract unwanted attention.
Innovation Solution
A method using a vehicle-installed RFID interrogator and a driver-borne wireless RF nomadic device with an active or passive RFID tag, which transmits a RF interrogation signal to determine the vehicle's location and provides a directional indication using a compass bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote keyless entry system is used to locate a parked vehicle, then the driver can activate vehicle control functions such as horn chirp or panic alarm, but the approach is indirect, has limited range, and can create disturbance or attract unwanted attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic approach of horn chirp and panic alarm with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The RFID interrogator emits electromagnetic signals that passively power and communicate with the RFID tag in the nomadic device, enabling direct visual indication without acoustic disturbance or unwanted attention attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary element between the vehicle and the driver's nomadic device. This passive tag stores identification information and communicates via electromagnetic fields, serving as a mediator that enables direct vehicle location indication without requiring active vehicle components like horns or alarms.
2Measurement precision
If RFID technology is added to the RKE system, then direct and accurate vehicle location is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the nomadic device universal by integrating multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both the RKE controller and the RFID reader. The vehicle also gains dual functionality with its RF communication module serving both RKE communication and RFID interrogation purposes, reducing overall system complexity through function consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is implemented as a passive element that self-powers from the electromagnetic field emitted by the vehicle's RFID interrogator. This eliminates the need for separate power sources, batteries, or active electronics in the tag, simplifying the system while enabling accurate location identification.
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
Provides a direct and effective way for drivers to locate their vehicles accurately, enhancing the functionality of remote keyless entry systems with improved range and reduced disturbance.
Implementation Method 1
An active or passive RFID tag is installed in the nomadic device, and the vehicle is additionally equipped with a RFID interrogator. The RFID interrogator in turn emits a RF interrogation signal to identify the RFID tag and determine its location relative to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
An internal electronic compass on the nomadic device is used to determine the direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating a parked vehicle that is equipped with a RKE system including a vehicle-installed RF communication module and a driver-borne wireless RF nomadic device such as a key fob involves installing a RFID tag in the nomadic device and a RFID interrogator in the vehicle. The driver depresses a button on the nomadic device to transmit a location request to the vehicle's communication module, and the RFID interrogator in turn emits a RF interrogation signal to identify the RFID tag and determine its location relative to the vehicle. The communication module then transmits a compass bearing to the nomadic device, and an indicator of the nomadic device is activated to provide the driver with a bearing for locating the vehicle.