UWB Ranging Control Device for Vehicle Smart Key Scenarios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UWB ranging systems in vehicles are inefficient as they rely solely on exterior UWB modules for smart key RSD, neglecting the importance of interior modules, which can be more necessary in certain situations.

Innovation Solution

A UWB ranging control device and method that subdivides smart key RSD cases and efficiently combines UWB anchors for ranging, allowing for prioritized operation based on specific scenarios such as driver seat PKE, passenger seat PKE, passive trunk, and passive start.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only exterior UWB modules are used for smart key RSD, then the system structure is simple, but ranging accuracy and reliability are insufficient in certain situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UWB ranging system into multiple independent modules positioned at different locations (exterior bumpers and interior roof). Each module can independently perform ranging operations, allowing the system to select the most appropriate module based on the specific scenario, thereby improving ranging accuracy without requiring all modules to operate simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal UWB ranging system where both exterior and interior modules serve multiple functions. The same ranging algorithm and control logic are applied to different module configurations, allowing the system to adapt to various scenarios (driver seat PKE, passenger seat PKE, passive trunk, passive start) using a unified multi-functional architecture.

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

2Reliability

If multiple UWB modules are activated simultaneously for all scenarios, then ranging reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic module activation strategy where the system selectively activates only the necessary UWB modules based on the current operation scenario. For example, during driver seat PKE, the system activates specific exterior and interior modules appropriate for that scenario, rather than keeping all modules continuously active, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different activation priorities and operational roles to different UWB modules based on their positions and scenario requirements. Exterior modules on bumpers and interior modules on the roof have different activation conditions, allowing the system to optimize power usage by activating only the locally appropriate modules for each specific ranging scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If a unified ranging approach is used for all scenarios, then device complexity is reduced, but ranging performance is suboptimal for specific scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging performanceVSAvoidcontrol logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ranging control logic into scenario-specific configurations. Different operation scenarios (driver seat PKE, passenger seat PKE, passive trunk, passive start) have dedicated module combinations and ranging parameters, allowing each scenario to utilize the optimal module configuration without requiring complex real-time adaptive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting ranging parameters such as signal thresholds, timing windows, and module selection criteria based on the specific operation scenario. This allows the system to optimize ranging performance for each scenario by changing operational parameters rather than requiring fundamentally different ranging approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach maximizes operation performance by ensuring that the most appropriate UWB anchors are used for each scenario, enhancing ranging accuracy and efficiency while minimizing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

Ultra-wide band (UWB) is a technique for calculating a distance between communication subjects using a Time-of-Flight (ToF) technique by multiplying a time required for a signal to reach between the communication subjects by the speed of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime-of-Flight (ToF): Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12339386B2UWB ranging control device and UWB ranging method using the same
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
  • US12339386B2 patent drawing
  • US12339386B2 patent drawing
  • US12339386B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an ultra-wideband (UWB) system and, more particularly, a UWB system capable of optimizing UWB operation for vehicles through hopping. The UWB system includes a memory in which a UWB communication program is embedded and a processor which executes the program. The processor performs UWB time-hopping and frequency-hopping to establish a communication channel.