Vehicle Communication Device Using BLE Protocol for Mobile Identifier Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle communication systems restrict the use of mobile devices like smartphones and digital tablets as identifying elements due to specific communication protocols, limiting connectivity and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol for data exchanges between mobile devices and vehicle control equipment, optimizing energy consumption and allowing mobile devices to act as identifying elements, replacing traditional radio frequency systems with a more standard receiver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional radio frequency protocols (433 MHz, 125 KHz) are used for vehicle-identifier communication, then existing electronic keys and badges can trigger vehicle commands, but mobile devices like smartphones and digital tablets cannot act as identifying elements due to protocol specificity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with mobile devicesVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the vehicle control system to communicate with multiple types of identifying elements through a single standardized interface. The control unit is configured to exchange data according to the BLE protocol with both traditional electronic keys and mobile devices, eliminating the need for separate protocol handling and allowing any BLE-capable device to function as an identifier.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter from traditional radio frequency protocols (433 MHz, 125 KHz) to the BLE protocol. This parameter change enables compatibility with mobile devices while maintaining secure communication, as BLE is a standardized protocol that mobile devices already support, thus resolving the incompatibility issue without adding significant system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional radio frequency systems are used for data exchange between control equipment and identifying elements, then vehicle commands can be triggered, but energy consumption is high particularly for non-rechargeable electronic keys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of identifying elementsVSAvoidcommand triggering reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the identifying elements from continuous or frequent radio frequency transmission to event-triggered BLE communication. BLE is designed for low energy consumption, allowing electronic keys and mobile devices to remain in sleep mode and only activate when needed, thus significantly reducing energy usage while maintaining reliable command triggering through the standardized BLE protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If specific communication protocols are implemented for vehicle access control, then secure command triggering is achieved, but the system remains closed and prevents new mobile devices from accessing vehicle functionalities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to new mobile devicesVSAvoidsecure command triggering
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by adopting the BLE protocol as a common communication standard that both the vehicle control unit and mobile devices can utilize. This standardized interface maintains security through authorized data exchange while enabling any BLE-capable mobile device to access vehicle functionalities, thus opening the previously closed system without compromising reliability.

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

4Reliability

If traditional radio frequency communication is used between vehicle control equipment and identifying elements, then vehicle commands can be executed, but data transfer security and robustness are limited compared to standardized protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer security and robustnessVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameter from proprietary radio frequency protocols to the standardized BLE protocol. BLE incorporates built-in security features and robust data transfer mechanisms, enhancing reliability without significantly increasing system complexity, as mobile devices already include BLE hardware and software stacks that can be leveraged by the vehicle system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3083343B1Command execution method for a motor vehcle through data exchange between a control unit and an identifier
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP3083343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3083343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3083343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention essentially relates to a communication system comprising a communication device mounted in a motor vehicle and at least one mobile device (SP, CID, smart watch), said communication system being intended for providing a data exchange between the communication device and the at least one mobile device (SP, CID, smart watch), characterised in that: the communication device comprises a low-frequency communication interface (BF) and a wireless communication interface (11) using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol in "advertising" state; and in that the communication device is capable of communicating with said at least one mobile device either in low-frequency mode using the BLE protocol or using only the BLE protocol.