UWB Digital Key Position Detection for Secure Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital key systems for vehicles using near-field communication (NFC) are vulnerable to hacking, necessitating a more secure and accurate method for detecting the position of a digital key using ultra-wideband (UWB) communication.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing UWB communication to detect the position of a vehicle key, which includes a digital key with UWB capabilities, multiple anchors for UWB communication, and a processor that performs calculations and data filtering to determine the accurate position of the digital key based on the anchors' data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If near-field communication (NFC) is used for digital key systems, then ease of operation is improved, but security and measurement precision deteriorate due to vulnerability to hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from NFC technology to UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, fundamentally changing the communication parameter band. UWB operates in the 3.1-10.6 GHz frequency range with extremely low power density, providing both enhanced security through accurate position verification and maintained ease of operation through contactless key functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the NFC communication mechanism with a UWB-based position verification mechanism. Instead of relying solely on proximity detection via NFC, the system uses UWB's time-of-flight (ToF) measurement capability to accurately determine the key's position, thereby substituting a more secure measurement approach while maintaining the contactless operation advantage
2Measurement precision
If UWB communication is implemented for accurate position detection, then measurement precision and security are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple anchors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the position detection system into multiple independent UWB anchors distributed throughout the vehicle interior. Each anchor independently measures the time-of-flight to the key, and the processor integrates these multiple measurements to calculate the key's position. This segmentation enables accurate 3D position detection while distributing the computational load
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated processor as an intermediary that receives ToF data from multiple UWB anchors, performs data filtering using moving window average or low-pass filters, selects appropriate positioning algorithms, and calculates the final key position. This intermediary component manages the complexity of multi-anchor coordination and data processing, making the system more tractable
3Measurement precision
If multiple anchors are deployed for UWB position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB anchors in the patent serve multiple functions: they act as both communication relays for key verification and as position measurement sensors. By integrating these dual functions into single components, the system achieves accurate position detection without proportionally increasing the number of separate hardware elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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
The solution provides enhanced security by reducing the risk of hacking and improves user convenience by accurately determining the position of the digital key, ensuring reliable vehicle access and security.
Implementation Method 1
a distance between an antenna and the digital key is measured by using a wireless communication technology between the digital key and the antenna mounted in the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for detecting a vehicle key position are provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle key including an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication-based digital key, anchors to perform UWB communication with the vehicle key, and a processor to detect a position of the digital key on the basis of the plurality of anchors.


