Vehicle Unlocking Device Positioning Using Sensor Overlap Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle keyless access systems rely on localization methods that provide rough estimations and are susceptible to inaccuracies and relay station attacks, necessitating an improved method for determining the position of a vehicle unlocking device.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using wireless technology, where sensors on a vehicle measure distances to the unlocking device, generating regions with inner and outer boundaries, determining overlap regions, and calculating the device's position based on overlap points, thereby accounting for measurement inaccuracies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If localization approach using field strength measurement is used, then keyless access can be implemented, but position determination accuracy deteriorates and relay station attacks become possible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidposition determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces field strength measurement (electromagnetic approach) with time-of-flight measurement using wireless signals. This substitution provides more accurate distance measurements by measuring the time for signals to travel between sensors and the unlocking device, thereby improving position determination accuracy while maintaining security against relay attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point field strength measurement to multi-dimensional position determination using multiple sensors arranged at different locations on the vehicle. By measuring distances from multiple sensors and calculating overlap regions in three-dimensional space, the system achieves more accurate and reliable position determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to improve position accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vehicle into multiple sensor zones with sensors positioned at specific locations (front, rear, left, right). Each sensor independently measures distance to the unlocking device, and the system processes measurements from multiple segments to determine the overlap region, achieving accurate position determination through distributed sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple sensors that can serve multiple functions: each sensor acts as both a distance measurement device and a reference point for defining regions. The same sensor array used for position determination can also support other vehicle functions, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method enables precise determination of the vehicle unlocking device's position, even with inaccurate distance measurements, enhancing security and reliability of keyless access systems.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a distance between each of the plurality of sensor and the vehicle unlocking device based on a wireless signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4465265A1Method and system for determining the position of a vehicle unlocking device
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4465265A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4465265A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4465265A1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6C

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for determining the position of a vehicle unlocking device relative to a position of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of receiving, from a plurality of sensors arranged at the vehicle, a distance indication from each sensor of the plurality of sensors, each distance indication indicating a measured distance between the respective sensor and the vehicle unlocking device; generating, based on each measured distance, a region having an inner and an outer boundary, each region being associated with one of the plurality of sensors; determining an overlap region according to an overlap of each of the regions; and determining the position of the vehicle unlocking device according to the overlap region.