Vehicle User Authentication via UWB CIR Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle authentication systems struggle to reliably authenticate users due to the lack of hardware or outdated software in many mobile devices, particularly those not supporting UWB or modern Bluetooth communication, leading to security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method using UWB and Bluetooth transceivers with wide frequency ranges and antennas to perform Channel Impulse Response (CIR) measurements, determining user position and motion gradients without requiring communication with the device, and utilizing NFC for authentication, enabling reliable user verification even with outdated devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If modern authentication systems use UWB and Bluetooth communication to locate and authenticate users, then authentication reliability is improved, but compatibility with older mobile devices is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the vehicle's existing radio infrastructure (designed for other purposes) to indirectly detect user position through signal analysis rather than direct communication. This mediator system allows authentication of devices that cannot participate in modern communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the vehicle's radio system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original communication purpose and new position detection/authentication functions. This universal approach allows the same hardware to support both modern secure authentication and backward compatibility with legacy devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the vehicle system queries location and movement data to authenticate users, then security against criminal activity is improved, but the complexity of the authentication system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by using its own radio signals and existing infrastructure to detect user position and movement, rather than requiring external tracking systems or additional specialized hardware. The vehicle's communication system serves its own authentication needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines position detection, movement analysis, and authentication functions into a single integrated system that operates through the existing radio communication infrastructure, rather than requiring separate tracking and authentication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If UWB signals are transmitted with wide frequency ranges to enable precise position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but interference with other radio signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidradio signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of signal transmission by using very low transmit power levels for UWB pulses despite the wide frequency bandwidth. This parameter adjustment maintains the precision benefits of wideband signals while minimizing the harmful interference effect through reduced power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 contactless user authentication for a broader range of devices, minimizing interference with other radio signals and reducing false authentications, while allowing passive access to vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The transceiver is controlled to transmit UWB pulses and receive impulse responses using at least one of the antennas and to perform a method based on Channel Impulse Response (CIR) measurements using the antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChannel Impulse Response:

Implementation Method 2

Due to the signal dispersion over such large frequency ranges, UWB signals cause minimal interference with other radio signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP4328876B1Method for authenticating a user, a system and a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4328876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4328876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4328876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for authenticating a user of a motor vehicle (10), a system for carrying out the method, and a motor vehicle (10) comprising the system. It is provided that a position and/or motion gradient of an authorized user is determined based on received impulse responses of transmitted UWB pulses and/or based on a result of CIR measurements using UWB signals, and that the authorized user is authenticated on the basis of this information.