Vehicle Authenticator Positioning Using Left-Right Antenna Angle Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle authorization systems, such as keyless entry systems, lack accurate position determination of the authenticator relative to the vehicle, which is necessary for advanced vehicle assistance systems that require precise localization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for calculating the angle between the vehicle's longitudinal axis and the authenticator, using measured distances from antennas on both sides of the vehicle, with a correction factor for improved accuracy, and determining a corrected distance to the vehicle's central axis, allowing for precise position determination and path tracking of the authenticator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If weak signal transmission with a range of a few meters is used for keyless entry systems, then the system can operate without requiring the user to hold the key actively, but the position determination of the authenticator remains inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the position determination into two components: distance measurement (using signal strength) and angle calculation (using differential distance from left and right antennas). This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate position determination through multiple independent measurements rather than relying on a single weak signal
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement to two-dimensional position determination by adding angular information. The angle α is calculated based on the differential distance (dr - dl) between left and right antennas, creating a second dimension (angular position) that enables precise location tracking of the authenticator relative to the vehicle
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to calculate the angle and corrected distance, then accurate position determination is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing left and right antennas, originally designed for keyless entry communication, are repurposed to serve dual functions: maintaining authentication signaling and providing differential distance measurements for angle calculation. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated positioning antennas, reducing system complexity while achieving accurate position determination
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing antenna infrastructure to generate positioning data. The differential signal strengths from the left and right antennas automatically provide the information needed for angle calculation and corrected distance determination, making the system self-sufficient without external positioning infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If vehicle assistance systems are activated based on authenticator approach detection, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases when unnecessary areas are activated
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates vehicle assistance functions locally based on the authenticator's precise position and approach direction (angle α). Instead of uniform activation across all vehicle areas, only the specific regions relevant to the user's approach are activated, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining user convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the authenticator's position and angle, providing real-time feedback that dynamically controls which assistance functions are activated. This feedback mechanism ensures that energy-consuming functions are only active when and where needed, based on the actual position and movement of the authenticator
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining an angle α between a longitudinal axis of a vehicle and an authenticator, in particular a key or a keyless entry device for a vehicle, wherein the angle α can be calculated with the system using the formula α=(dr−dl)* kw, where dr is the calculated and/or measured distance to the authenticator from an antenna mounted on the right side in or on the vehicle, dl is the calculated and/or measured distance to the authenticator from an antenna mounted on the left side on the vehicle, and kw is a correction factor for the angle calculation that is established in a vehicle-specific manner.