Smart Key System Proximity Control via GPS Distance Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart key systems for vehicles are unsafe as they only lock the door after driving for a predetermined amount of time, leaving passengers vulnerable to crimes and do not provide efficient control over the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A smart key system that actively switches between wireless communication interfaces, using GPS coordinates to determine proximity and establish communication through Bluetooth or WiFi, allowing for secure and efficient control of the vehicle within a predetermined reference distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart key system only locks the door after driving for a predetermined amount of time, then the system operation is simple, but the passenger safety is compromised and the system is vulnerable to crimes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating distance using GPS coordinates before initiating communication protocols. The electronic control unit determines whether the smart key is within a predetermined reference distance by comparing GPS-based calculated distance with the reference distance, enabling proactive security measures before actual vehicle access is attempted
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS coordinate-based distance calculation as an intermediary mechanism between the smart key and the vehicle's security system. This intermediary layer provides an additional verification step that enhances security without requiring direct complex interaction between the smart key and vehicle control systems
2Reliability
If the smart key system uses multiple wireless communication interfaces (Bluetooth and WiFi), then the communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit is designed with multi-functionality to support both Bluetooth and WiFi communication interfaces. The system can selectively activate appropriate communication protocols based on the communication request type and availability, enabling a single device to perform multiple communication functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface selection is dynamic rather than static. The electronic control unit actively switches between Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces based on real-time conditions such as which interface is available, which protocol is requested, and communication success status. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize communication reliability while managing complexity through conditional logic
3Productivity
If the system actively switches between Bluetooth and WiFi communication interfaces, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action through sequential communication attempts. When a communication request is received, the electronic control unit systematically tries Bluetooth first, then WiFi if Bluetooth fails, creating a periodic pattern of communication interface activation that improves efficiency through structured retry logic rather than random or simultaneous attempts
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an electrical control unit of a smart key system includes receiving a first GPS coordinate that is transmitted from a smart key, calculating a distance from the smart key based on the first GPS coordinate and a second GPS coordinate of a vehicle that is received from a GPS satellite, determining whether the distance is within a predetermined reference distance, transmitting a first communication request signal to the smart key when the distance is within the reference distance, determining whether a first communication response signal corresponding to the first communication request signal is received from the smart key, performing the first communication with the smart key when the first communication response signal is received, and controlling the vehicle in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the smart key based on the first communication.