Vehicle Cabin Mobile Device Detection Using Directional Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems face limitations in consistently and accurately detecting the location of mobile and nomadic devices within a vehicle cabin, particularly due to challenges in precise range detection and communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sensor groups with directional waveguides and antennas tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies, integrated into the vehicle's headliner or seats, which adjust sensitivity and responsiveness to detect mobile devices within a limited effective range, enabling precise location identification and connection status monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If directional waveguides and tuned antennas are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple sensor groups, each responsible for specific zones within the vehicle cabin. Each sensor group contains multiple antennas tuned to different frequencies, creating a segmented approach to location detection that improves precision while managing complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
Different antennas within each sensor group are tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies to detect specific types of mobile devices in different locations. The directional waveguides are oriented to provide enhanced detection capability in specific directions, creating local quality variations that improve overall detection accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple sensor groups with directional waveguides are deployed to enhance detection capability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor groups are merged into a coordinated detection network where each group contributes to overall detection reliability. The sensor groups work together to provide consistent detection across the entire vehicle cabin, with each group reinforcing the reliability of the others through redundant detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor group is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting mobile devices, determining their locations, identifying connection statuses, and providing data for autonomous command generation. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability by ensuring each sensor group can independently contribute to various detection tasks
3Measurement precision
If waveguides are used to limit effective range to specific zones, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle cabin is segmented into multiple zones, each monitored by sensor groups with directional waveguides oriented to cover specific areas. This segmentation allows precise detection within each zone while the collection of all sensor groups provides comprehensive coverage of the entire cabin, resolving the trade-off between precision and information loss
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
This configuration allows for accurate detection and location generation of mobile devices relative to specific seat positions, enhancing communication and control capabilities within the vehicle, including autonomous command generation based on device presence and status.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antennas configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies... responsiveness to electromagnetic energy received from and emitted by mobile or nomadic devices
Implementation Method 2
The directional waveguide(s) may be formed from reflective, absorptive, and combination materials that are configured to adjust the sensitivity and electromagnetic responsiveness of the antennas
Implementation Method 3
The directional waveguide(s) may be formed from reflective, absorptive, and combination materials that are configured to adjust the sensitivity and electromagnetic responsiveness of the antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes at least one and/or one or more in-vehicle and/or onboard controller(s) that is/are coupled to spaced apart sensor groups that are arrayed within a headliner and/or seats of the vehicle cabin. Each sensor group generally corresponds to and/or with a plurality of and/or one or more seat positions, each having a single seat, and which include a driver zone seat position that has a driver seat. Each sensor group in the array includes at least one signal processor, and a plurality of transceivers, antennas, and/or sensors configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies and/or powers. Also included are electromagnetically active, directional waveguides that adjust, amplify, and/or attenuate the sensitivity of each of the respective antennas, to electromagnetic energy detected and received from mobile devices located in the vehicle cabin, such that the sensitivity is limited to electromagnetic emissions within a limited effective range for each antenna.