Vehicle BLE Position Detection Using Inter-Module Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating a user's smartphone around a vehicle, such as LF, Bluetooth, and UWB, face limitations in precision, compatibility, cost, and energy efficiency, and fail to address 'body dumping' issues where location accuracy varies based on the smartphone's position.
Innovation Solution
A method using Bluetooth Low Energy Channel Sounding technology with multiple communication modules in a vehicle to measure signal power and phase shift between modules to confirm the user's location within a predefined area, without requiring UWB technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth technology is used for location, then compatibility with smartphones is improved, but location precision deteriorates due to limited bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location detection task into multiple measurements using different communication modules (first and second modules) at different spatial positions. By segmenting the measurement process across multiple receivers, the system achieves better precision than a single Bluetooth measurement would provide, while maintaining smartphone compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by using multiple communication modules positioned at different locations on the vehicle. This dimensional expansion from 1D to 2D/3D measurement space enables precise location determination using Bluetooth technology.
2Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for location, then location precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive UWB technology, the system creates a functional copy of precise location capability using multiple Bluetooth modules. By replicating the measurement function across multiple lower-cost receivers, the system achieves UWB-level precision without the associated complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of Bluetooth modules (using multiple modules with phase shift measurements) to achieve precision levels traditionally only attainable with UWB. This parameter optimization allows standard Bluetooth hardware to perform advanced location functions.
3Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for location, then location precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple inexpensive Bluetooth modules that consume minimal energy compared to UWB hardware. By deploying several low-power receivers instead of one high-power UWB system, the overall energy consumption is reduced while maintaining measurement precision.
4Device complexity
If single communication module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but location reliability deteriorates due to body dumping effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function across multiple communication modules positioned at different locations on the vehicle. This spatial segmentation allows the system to distinguish between signals from different directions, making it immune to body dumping effects where a single module would be confused by reflected signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple communication modules act as intermediaries that collectively verify the user's location. By requiring consistent measurements from multiple independent modules, the system mediates against false positives caused by body dumping, where reflected signals might trick a single module.
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
Provides precise, reliable, and efficient smartphone location, independent of the smartphone's position, enabling vehicle functions like door unlocking and seat adjustment, while being cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the phase shift, called inter-module phase, between said signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a user equipment in a predetermined location area around a motor vehicle including a plurality of communication modules configured to communicate with the user equipment over a wireless communication link. The peripheral limit of the predetermined location area being characterized by a predefined distance corresponding to a predefined signal power, called “reference power,” for a signal sent by the user equipment and received by one of the communication modules. The method notably including a step, during which, if the measured inter-module power is less than a predetermined inter-module power and if the measured inter-module phase shift is less than a predetermined inter-module phase shift, then confirming that the user equipment is in the predetermined location area around the vehicle.