UWB Antenna Layout for Accurate Intent Detection in Smart Locks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control systems require active physical interaction from users to grant access, such as swiping or tapping credentials, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas positioned strategically to determine user intent based on UWB communication signals, allowing for contactless access control by calculating phase difference of arrival and angle of arrival to automatically unlock doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional credential readers are used requiring active physical interaction, then access control reliability is maintained, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical credential interaction (swiping, tapping physical cards) with wireless UWB communication. The UWB antenna system enables contactless authentication by detecting the presence and intent of authorized devices through radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical credential presentation while maintaining security through encrypted UWB protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UWB antennas as an intermediary between the user and the access control system. Instead of direct physical interaction with credential readers, the system uses UWB signal transmission and reception to detect user intent and authenticate credentials wirelessly, serving as a mediator that enables contactless operation.
2Volume of moving object
If UWB antennas are positioned closely together to reduce device size, then device compactness improves, but signal detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spacing parameter of UWB antennas to be no greater than one half of a wavelength of the first UWB channel. This specific parameter setting allows the system to maintain adequate signal detection precision for determining phase difference of arrival and angle of arrival while minimizing the overall device volume and keeping the antenna array compact.
3Measurement precision
If multiple UWB antennas are added to improve intent detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UWB antenna system into multiple individually positioned antennas (first UWB antenna, second UWB antenna, and optional third UWB antenna) rather than using a single complex antenna. Each antenna is independently positioned at specific locations (no greater than one half wavelength apart) to collectively provide the capability to determine phase difference of arrival and angle of arrival, improving intent detection accuracy while keeping individual antenna elements simple.
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 contactless, accurate access control by determining user intent without requiring physical interaction, enhancing convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
calculating phase difference of arrival and angle of arrival to automatically unlock doors
Implementation Method 2
An electronic lock system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas positioned strategically to determine user intent based on UWB communication signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock according to an embodiment includes an exterior escutcheon on an unsecure side of the door, an interior escutcheon on a secure side of the door, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) positioned within the exterior escutcheon, and a plurality of ultra wideband (UWB) antennas secured to an exterior-facing side of the PCBA, wherein the plurality of UWB antennas comprises a first UWB antenna and a second UWB antenna configured to operate on a first UWB channel, and wherein the second UWB antenna is positioned no greater than one half of a wavelength of the first UWB channel from the first UWB antenna along a first axis.