Vehicle BLE Node Switching for Shielded Digital Key Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) nodes, the connection quality between a user device and the BLE nodes can deteriorate when the user approaches or enters the vehicle, especially due to signal shielding by metal components, leading to insufficient communication for applications like digital car key functions.
Innovation Solution
A method to switch the connection from a first BLE node to a second BLE node with better connection quality by comparing RSSI and identity information, ensuring the new node belongs to the same vehicle, thereby maintaining or improving communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user device connects to a BLE node on the exterior of the vehicle, then the connection is established for unlocking the vehicle, but the connection quality becomes insufficient when the user enters the vehicle due to signal shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different BLE nodes based on real-time connection quality assessment. When the user enters the vehicle and the exterior BLE node's signal quality deteriorates due to metal shielding, the system transitions to an interior BLE node, making the connection adaptable to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple BLE nodes act as intermediaries to provide communication paths. The system uses identity information (IRK addresses) to identify and switch between these intermediary nodes, ensuring continuous reliable communication despite physical obstructions
2Stability of the object's composition
If the user device maintains connection to the original BLE node, then the connection is stable initially, but the connection quality deteriorates when the user approaches or enters the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors connection quality metrics (such as RSSI) of the current BLE connection and uses this feedback to determine when to switch nodes. When quality thresholds are not met, the system initiates a handover to a better-connected node, maintaining both stability and quality
3Reliability
If the system switches BLE nodes to improve connection quality, then the connection quality improves, but there is a risk of switching to a wrong vehicle's BLE node
Solution Approach 1:
Identity information (IRK addresses) serves as a verification intermediary to ensure the target BLE node belongs to the same vehicle. Before switching, the system checks that the candidate node's identity matches the vehicle's identity, preventing accidental connections to wrong vehicles while enabling quality improvement
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a user device and for controlling a connection between the user device and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) nodes of a vehicle includes establishing a first connection to a first BLE node of the vehicle. The method also includes obtaining information on a connection quality of the first connection to the first BLE node. The method further includes terminating the first connection and establishing a second connection to a second BLE node based on the information on the connection quality.