Self-Learning Vehicle Access Node Positioning via Ranging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle access systems, such as PEPS, face challenges in determining the installation location of radio antennas within a vehicle, especially during manufacturing assembly or maintenance repairs, where some system nodes have unknown positions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle access system utilizing a plurality of system nodes with radio transceivers that communicate wirelessly to determine the installation location of additional nodes through distance measurement processes like one-way ranging, two-way ranging, and symmetric double-sided two-way ranging, allowing the system to self-learn and localize unassigned nodes using a processor connected to a master ECU and slave nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio antennas are installed throughout the vehicle to determine key location, then passive entry/passive start functionality is improved, but the complexity of determining antenna installation locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassive entry/passive start functionalityVSAvoidantenna location determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-learning of antenna installation locations by having each antenna determine distances to other antennas and automatically calculating its own position based on measured distances and known locations of reference antennas, eliminating the need for manual location configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes reference antennas with known installation locations before the self-learning process begins, preparing the necessary baseline data in advance to enable subsequent automatic localization of other antennas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If manual configuration of antenna installation locations is used, then initial setup time is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to reinstallation or maintenance scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial setup timeVSAvoidadaptability to reinstallation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static manual configuration to dynamic self-learning, allowing antenna locations to be automatically updated and recalibrated based on actual installation positions, enabling adaptation to reinstallation and maintenance scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses distance measurements between antennas as feedback to calculate and verify installation locations, continuously adjusting and confirming positions based on actual spatial relationships rather than relying solely on pre-configured data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If self-learning of antenna positions is implemented, then adaptability to reinstallation is improved, but the time required for location determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to reinstallationVSAvoidlocation determination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The self-learning process is divided into sequential steps where antennas are localized one at a time relative to already-positioned reference antennas, breaking down the complex multi-antenna localization problem into manageable individual determinations that can be performed efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate localization of the target portable device for passive entry/passive start features and self-learning of system node positions within the vehicle, reducing complexity and cost in manufacturing and repair processes.

Implementation Method 1

determining, for a third system node from the plurality of additional system nodes, (i) a first distance between the third system node and the first system node by operating the radio transceivers of the third system node and the first system node

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10926738B1Method and system for self-learning radio node positions within a vehicle structure

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A vehicle access system is disclosed having the plurality of system nodes for localizing a target portable device. The plurality of system nodes includes a master ECU that is asymmetrically installed at a predetermined location within the vehicle. The plurality of system nodes includes a plurality of slave system nodes. The plurality of slave system nodes includes an assigned system node that is asymmetrically installed at a predetermined location within the vehicle and a plurality of unassigned system nodes that are installed arbitrarily at any one of a plurality predetermined possible installation locations within the vehicle. The known installation locations of the assigned system node and the master ECU are used to self-learn the unknown installation location of each unassigned system node, for example after manufacturing assembly or repair of the vehicle access system.