Smartphone RF-BT Relay Device for Extended Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling vehicle functions remotely, such as locking and starting, are limited by short communication ranges and require carrying a dedicated key fob, which can be inconvenient and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A device that attaches to a smartphone, utilizing a long-range RF transceiver to communicate with a vehicle and a short-range BT transceiver to relay commands, allowing smartphone-based control of vehicle functions beyond typical Bluetooth range through a combination of RF and BT protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional key fob is used for remote vehicle control, then the communication range is extended beyond smartphone Bluetooth range, but the user must carry a dedicated physical device which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the long-range RF transceiver and short-range Bluetooth transceiver into a single integrated device that attaches to the smartphone. This merging allows the smartphone to leverage both Bluetooth's proximity detection capabilities and RF's extended range, eliminating the need for a separate key fob while maintaining extended communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a Bluetooth companion for the smartphone and an RF transmitter for vehicle communication. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace both the traditional key fob and the smartphone's limited Bluetooth range, providing universal access to vehicle control.
2Device complexity
If Bluetooth is used for smartphone-vehicle communication, then the system is simple and uses existing smartphone capabilities, but the communication range is limited to short distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the smartphone's Bluetooth and the vehicle's RF system. This intermediary contains both Bluetooth and RF transceivers, relaying commands from the smartphone via Bluetooth to the vehicle via RF, thereby extending the effective communication range while maintaining system simplicity.
3Length of moving object
If a dedicated key fob is used, then long-range control is achieved, but the user experience is restricted and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the key fob's RF transceiver with the smartphone's Bluetooth capabilities into a single integrated unit, the system achieves both long-range control and the flexibility of smartphone-based operation. The user can control the vehicle from a distance while using the familiar smartphone interface, combining the best of both approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting a phone to a vehicle, the device including: a case, the case including: a long-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver for communication with a control device in a vehicle via a long-range wireless link; and a short-range bluetooth (BT) transceiver for communicating with a smartphone via a short-range wireless link, wherein the case is configured to be attached to an external surface of the smartphone, and wherein the device is configured to relay commands from the smartphone to the vehicle.