Vehicle Access Localization Using Multi-Anchor Ranging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passive keyless systems in motor vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting and localizing an access device, which affects the activation of vehicle systems and security.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a plurality of anchors mounted on the motor vehicle to measure distances to an access device, determining an initial region of interest based on ranging data, and optimizing this region to accurately locate the access device relative to the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple anchors are used to measure distances for localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess device localization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the localization task into multiple measurement steps using multiple anchors. Each anchor independently measures distance to the access device, and these individual measurements are combined to determine the final location, thereby improving precision through segmented measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines distance measurements from multiple anchors to determine the access device location. By merging data from multiple sources (anchors), the system achieves higher localization accuracy than a single anchor could provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If the initial region of interest is optimized based on overlapping points, then localization accuracy is improved, but computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregion of interest accuracyVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary optimization of the region of interest by identifying overlapping points from multiple distance measurements before final localization. This preliminary action refines the search area and improves subsequent localization accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the localization problem by working with overlapping regions in a geometric space. By analyzing the overlap of spherical regions from multiple anchors, the system identifies a refined region of interest that improves localization precision

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

This approach allows for precise determination of the access device's location, enhancing individualized vehicle experiences, improving security and safety, and reducing computational resources required for localization.

Implementation Method 1

Each anchor of the plurality of anchors may be configured to measure a distance between the respective anchor and the access device for gathering ranging data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3986756B1Improved access device localization

Publication Date: 2025.02.19 VOLKSWAGEN AG

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AI summary

A system and method are provided for determining an optimum location of an access device relative to a motor vehicle. The access device allows entry into the motor vehicle and/or allows activation of systems in the motor vehicle depending on the location of the access device relative to the motor vehicle.