Vehicle Access Controller Using Distributed Sensing Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyfob systems lack advanced features for seamless vehicle access, climate control, and user comfort, failing to integrate real-time data from user devices and environmental sensors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a vehicle interface and controller communicating with a user's device to retrieve calendar events, estimate user proximity, and control vehicle functions such as engine start, climate, and infotainment based on user preferences and environmental data, using sensors like LIDAR and cameras for obstacle detection and biometric data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing nodes and sensors are integrated into the vehicle system, then the measurement precision and reliability of user proximity and environmental detection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensing nodes (master and slave nodes) distributed throughout the vehicle. Each node performs specific sensing functions independently, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple measurements while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing nodes are designed to perform multiple functions including proximity detection, obstacle detection, and environmental monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time data retrieval and processing from user devices and sensors is implemented, then the adaptability and user comfort are improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system retrieves and processes user preferences and calendar event data in advance before the user arrives at the vehicle. This preliminary action allows the controller to prepare climate control settings beforehand, reducing real-time processing requirements and energy consumption when the user actually approaches the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic beacon packets from the thin device to trigger data retrieval and processing cycles. Instead of continuous monitoring, the controller activates sensing and data processing only when beacon packets indicate user proximity, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If advanced sensing systems and camera systems are activated for obstacle detection, then the reliability of safe vehicle access is improved, but the use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system and advanced sensors are dynamically activated only when needed based on real-time conditions. The master sensing node coordinates activation of these energy-intensive components based on detected events, ensuring they operate only when necessary for safe access, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system automatically activates camera and sensor components based on events detected by the master sensing node, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach ensures reliable obstacle detection is available when needed while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous operation of high-power components.
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 personalized vehicle access, climate control, and user comfort by integrating real-time data from user devices and environmental sensors, enhancing the user experience through advanced sensing and control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the master sensing node receives the beacon packet and signal strength information from the at least one slave sensing node, the master sensing node estimates at least one of distance, position, or direction of the vehicle user to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a LIDAR
Implementation Method 3
the sensor having a frequency operating from 20 kHz and above. For instance, the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a LIDAR, an ultrasound sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle access control system configured to estimate, based on received message, at least one of distance, position, or direction of a target to the vehicle prior to initiating the engine of the vehicle, the vehicle access control system comprises at least one of an occupancy/intrusion system, a gesture access entry system, a virtual key sharing system, or an event system.