Security Control Module Relative Positioning via UWB Signal Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mid-range keyless entry systems using ultra-wideband communication cannot determine the relative location of a user with respect to entry and exit sides of a controlled area, leading to security risks, as they only provide absolute distance measurements, which can result in unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A security control module equipped with an ultra-wideband transceiver and processing unit that determines the relative position of a mobile device by processing signal properties such as propagation time, amplitude variation, and phase difference, allowing precise distance measurement and preventing unauthorized access by comparing distances from multiple security control modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mid-range keyless entry systems using ultra-wideband communication are used, then communication range and ease of operation are improved, but relative location determination capability deteriorates, leading to security risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the secure control area into multiple sections (first section and second section) with separate security control modules positioned at each section. Each module independently determines the relative position of mobile devices with respect to its own section, enabling directional access control. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation while improving security by preventing unauthorized access from opposite directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If ultra-wideband communication is used for mid-range keyless entry, then communication range is improved, but measurement precision for relative location determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidrelative location determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces security control modules as intermediary devices positioned at specific locations (first section and second section) that receive ultra-wideband signals from mobile devices. These modules process the signal properties (propagation time, amplitude variation, phase difference) to determine relative positions. By using these intermediary modules strategically positioned at section boundaries, the system achieves both extended communication range and precise relative location determination for security control purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If close-proximity keyless systems are used, then measurement precision for position determination is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for precise reader identification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determinationVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from close-proximity systems that require precise 2D positioning to a mid-range system that uses 1D distance measurement from multiple sections. By measuring the distance from the mobile device to security control modules at different sections and comparing these distances, the system determines relative position without requiring the user to precisely identify or align with specific readers. This dimensional approach maintains measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation.

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

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 reliable and precise determination of the user's relative position, reducing security risks by accurately granting access only in the intended direction and denying it in the opposite direction, thus enhancing the security of one-way entry systems.

Implementation Method 1

an ultra-wideband transceiver configured to establish an ultra-wideband transmission with an ultra-wideband communication module of a mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltra-wideband communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

determining a first distance between the security control module and the mobile device by processing signal properties of the ultra-wideband transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

processing signal properties of the ultra-wideband transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplitude variation:

Implementation Method 4

processing signal properties of the ultra-wideband transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference:

Data Source

PatentEP4375957A1Security control module and system
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 DORMAKABA SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP4375957A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4375957A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4375957A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A security control module (10) for controlling access through a passageway (4) of a secure control area (A), comprising an ultra-wideband transceiver (12) configured to establish an ultra-wideband transmission with a mobile device (100) and a processing unit (14) configured to determine a first distance (D1) between the security control module (10) and the mobile device (100) by processing signal properties of the ultra-wideband transmission. The security control module (10) is configured to receive a second distance (D2) from a further security control module (10, 20) arranged at a spacing distance (D) apart, the second distance (D2) being indicative of a distance between the further security control module (10, 20) and the mobile device (100). The processing unit (14) is configured to determine the relative position of the mobile device (100) with respect to the security control module (10) based on the first and second distance (D1, D2).