UWB Smart Key Scheme Switching for In-Vehicle Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices used as smart keys consume excessive current when periodically communicating with vehicle anchors via UWB, especially when located inside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a processor to switch between UWB communication schemes based on its location relative to the vehicle. When inside the vehicle, it transitions from the TWR scheme to the TDOA scheme to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electronic device periodically communicates with vehicle anchors via UWB using TWR scheme, then distance measurement accuracy is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication scheme changeable based on location. The electronic device dynamically switches between TWR scheme (when outside vehicle) and TDOA scheme (when inside vehicle), allowing the system to adapt its measurement method to current conditions. This resolves the contradiction by using the more accurate TWR only when necessary (outside vehicle) and switching to lower-power TDOA when inside the vehicle where continuous presence confirmation suffices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter (scheme type) based on the device's location state. When the device transitions from outside to inside the vehicle, it changes from TWR to TDOA scheme. This parameter change allows the system to maintain adequate functionality while reducing power consumption in the inside-vehicle state, resolving the energy consumption issue without completely sacrificing measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If the electronic device uses TWR scheme for UWB communication, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which communication scheme to use based on location. Rather than implementing both schemes equally, the device adapts its behavior: using TWR when outside the vehicle (where distance measurement is critical) and TDOA when inside (where presence confirmation is sufficient). This dynamic approach reduces the effective complexity by activating only the necessary scheme at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operational scenarios into distinct modes: outside-vehicle mode using TWR and inside-vehicle mode using TDOA. By dividing the operation into separate segments with different communication requirements, the system manages complexity through scenario-based separation rather than attempting to handle all cases with a single complex scheme.
3Reliability
If the electronic device continuously communicates with vehicle anchors, then communication reliability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the electronic device communicate with vehicle anchors at regular intervals rather than continuously. The device determines its location relative to the vehicle at periodic intervals and switches communication schemes accordingly. This periodic communication maintains sufficient reliability for smart key functionality while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous communication, thereby extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication behavior is made dynamic based on location state. When the device is inside the vehicle, it switches to TDOA scheme with reduced communication frequency compared to when outside. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability for authentication purposes while reducing energy consumption during periods when the device is known to be in the vehicle, thus extending battery life without compromising security.
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 effectively minimizes current consumption when the electronic device is inside the vehicle, while maintaining communication with the vehicle, thus prolonging battery life.
Implementation Method 1
to determine whether the distance to the vehicle falls within a predetermined distance by measuring the distance via the UWB communication
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the disclosure provides an apparatus that include a communication module, a memory, a processor operatively connected to at least one of the communication module or the memory. The processor may be configured to perform UWB communication with a plurality of anchors included in a vehicle via the communication module according to a first scheme, to determine whether a distance to the vehicle falls within a predetermined distance by measuring the distance via the UWB communication, to determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied if the distance falls within the predetermined distance, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, to change the UWB communication scheme from the first scheme to a second scheme. Other embodiments are possible.