Vehicle Driver Identification Using Multi-Zone Antenna Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive entry systems for vehicles with four-door access often fail to correctly identify the driver when the key fob is placed in a rear seat or cargo area, leading to confusion and frustration, as they default to the previous driver's settings if the fob is not detected at the driver's door.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a plurality of antennas to transmit exterior and interior search signals to identify a valid key fob, determining if a valid response signal is received, and if a door switch flag allows for changing settings, assigns the correct driver preference settings, including seat, mirror, and radio settings, based on the received ID code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system uses only the driver's door antenna to identify the driver, then the system complexity is low, but the driver identification accuracy deteriorates when the fob is placed in rear seats or cargo area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into multiple zones (front door zone, rear door zones, cargo area zones) with separate antennas for each zone. Each antenna independently monitors for fob presence in its zone, allowing the system to identify which zone contains the fob and apply the corresponding driver profile, thereby improving identification accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the identification system by placing antennas at multiple locations (front door, rear doors, cargo area) rather than relying on a single detection point. This multi-dimensional approach enables the system to detect fob presence throughout the entire vehicle interior, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity
2Measurement precision
If the system monitors all door closures and cargo areas for fob presence, then the driver identification accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each antenna multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a passive entry sensor and as a driver identification sensor. The same antenna that detects fob presence for door unlocking also detects the fob's ID code for driver profile assignment, eliminating the need for separate identification hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing passive entry infrastructure (antennas and fob communication protocol) to simultaneously perform driver identification. The fob's own identification signals, already being used for authentication, are repurposed to trigger driver profile assignment, allowing the system to serve multiple functions without additional components
3Reliability
If the system defaults to previous driver settings when no fob is detected at driver's door, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of driver identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of fob presence across multiple zones. When a fob is detected in any zone, the system receives feedback about the fob's ID code and automatically updates the driver identification accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable identification while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically adapts to the current driver without requiring manual input
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
Ensures accurate and efficient application of driver-specific settings by correctly identifying the driver through wireless communication, even when the fob is placed in a rear seat or cargo area, reducing confusion and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of antennas includes a driver's door antenna associated with the driver's door and at least one other closure antenna associated with the at least one other closure. The method includes transmitting an exterior signal from the at least one other closure antenna.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying driver preference settings for a vehicle includes transmitting an exterior signal from at least one closure antenna. The method further includes determining whether a valid response signal was received in response to the transmitted exterior search signal. The valid response signal includes a respective ID code unique to a fob that transmitted the valid response signal. Upon determining that a valid response signal was received, the method further includes determining whether a door switch flag allows for changing of a driver preference setting. Upon determining that the door switch flag allows for changing the driver preference setting, the method includes assigning the driver preference setting based on the respective ID code in the received response signal. The assigned driver preference setting includes at least one of a vehicle seat setting, a rearview mirror setting, a side view mirror setting, a radio station setting, and an HVAC setting.