UWB In-Vehicle Location Verification via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive entry/passive start systems require user action to initiate the access process, and there is a need for precise location determination and identity verification of mobile access devices within a vehicle to ensure authorized access and prevent unauthorized use of service applications.
Innovation Solution
A mobile access device with a memory, user interface, transceiver, and control module that performs location determination, identity verification, and tracks driving behavior using ultra-wideband signals and camera-based image analysis to ensure the service application is executed only when the authorized user is in the driver seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional passive entry systems use signal strength for location determination, then the system is simple to operate, but the location precision is insufficient for accurate driver verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary location determination system that uses multiple sensors (cameras, microphones, weight sensors) and processing units to act as a mediator between the mobile access device and the driver verification system. This intermediary layer provides precise location determination by analyzing multiple data sources (image recognition, audio analysis, weight distribution) rather than relying solely on simple signal strength, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-functional location determination approach where a single system performs multiple functions: camera-based image recognition, audio analysis, weight sensor detection, and integrated processing. This universal system handles various verification tasks (location determination, driver identification, authorization) through one integrated mechanism, improving precision while managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiple separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If the system requires user action to initiate access process, then the system is reliable and secure, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring the vehicle environment through cameras, microphones, and weight sensors before access is requested. The location determination system is already active and analyzing data in advance, so when the user approaches or attempts access, the system has pre-established context about the environment, reducing the need for additional user actions while maintaining reliable verification through pre-collected data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the mobile access device automatically interacts with the vehicle system without requiring manual initiation. The device can automatically establish communication, transmit identification information, and receive authorization decisions based on the location determination system's analysis, eliminating the need for users to manually start the access process while maintaining security through automatic verification.
3Productivity
If the system permits service application execution based on location, then productivity is improved, but the risk of unauthorized use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the location determination system constantly monitors the driver's position, the mobile access device's location, and the service application execution status. The processing unit receives ongoing feedback from cameras, microphones, and weight sensors to verify that the authorized driver remains in the driver's seat. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high productivity by keeping services available while preventing unauthorized use by immediately detecting and responding to position changes or unauthorized device locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based authorization systems with an electronic and optical-based verification system. Instead of relying on physical keys that provide binary authorized/unauthorized access, the system uses camera-based image recognition, audio analysis, and weight sensor data to continuously verify driver identity and position. This substitution enables more nuanced control where service applications can be dynamically enabled or disabled based on verified driver presence and position, improving productivity while enhancing security against unauthorized use.
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 secure and authorized access to vehicle functions while preventing unauthorized use by accurately determining the location and identity of the user, ensuring the service application is only active when the authorized driver is present.
Implementation Method 1
The control module is configured to via the transceiver perform an ultra-wideband signal exchange with a module of the vehicle to determine the location of the mobile access device within the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The control module is configured to determine the location of the mobile access device within the vehicle based on images captured via the one or more cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile access device includes a memory, a user interface, a transceiver, and a control module. The memory stores a service application. The user interface receives an input from a user to execute the service application. The transceiver signals a vehicle to establish a connection and initiate a location determining process to determine a location of the mobile access device within the vehicle. The control module: determines whether the service application is permitted to be executed based on the location of the mobile access device; based on the location of the mobile access device, performs an identity verification process to verify identity of at least one of the user or the mobile access device; and tracks driving behavior of the user based on (i) whether the service application is permitted to be executed, and (ii) a result of the identity verification process.