Vehicle Function Activation via Portable Device Signal Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for activating motor vehicle functions using movement sensors in devices are complex, expensive, and require users to learn predefined movements and areas, which can be counter-intuitive and prone to errors when transitioning between adjacent areas.
Innovation Solution
A method where a portable device measures signal power in predefined areas around or inside a vehicle, allowing the vehicle's management system to determine the movement and area, associating it with specific functions, enabling activation of multiple functions by initiating and terminating movements in different areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movement sensor and detection unit are fitted in the device to detect user movements, then the function activation capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement sensor system with a signal-based detection system. The vehicle's management system uses periodically transmitted signals and the portable device's measurement of signal power to infer movement and position, eliminating the need for complex movement sensors in the portable device while achieving the same function activation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where the portable device measures the power of periodically transmitted signals from the vehicle as an intermediate parameter. This measurement serves as a mediator between the user's physical movement and the system's function activation, replacing direct movement sensing with indirect signal power-based inference
2Adaptability or versatility
If predefined movements and areas are set by the manufacturer, then the function activation system is established, but the ease of operation decreases due to user learning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system dynamic by allowing the association between movements/areas and functions to be configured and modified. Rather than fixed manufacturer-defined mappings, the system can adapt to user needs and contextual situations, enabling more intuitive and flexible operation while maintaining the structured area-based activation framework
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses predefined areas and movements, then function activation is enabled, but reliability decreases when movements occur between adjacent areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the management system periodically transmit signals and establish signal power thresholds before actual movement detection is needed. This pre-established signal framework allows the system to reliably determine area transitions and function activations even during boundary movements, preventing failures when movements occur between adjacent areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through continuous measurement of signal power by the portable device and periodic updates to the management system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to track the device's position and movement in real-time, reliably determining which area the device is in and which function should be activated, even during transitions between adjacent areas
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 approach simplifies and enhances the activation of vehicle functions by allowing users to define and perform movements within specific areas, reducing complexity and errors, while enabling more flexible function activation without the need for complex movement sensors.
Implementation Method 1
periodic transmission, by the management system, of signals to the device... measurement by the device, during the user's performance of the predefined movement of the device, of the power of each signal transmitted periodically by the management system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the activation by a user with a portable device of at least one function of a piece of motor vehicle equipment. The vehicle having a plurality of predefined areas (around and/or inside the vehicle) and including a plurality of pieces of equipment, each capable of implementing at least one function, and a management system for controlling the pieces of equipment. The method includes the user performing a predefined movement of the device in at least one predefined vehicle area, the management system determining the movement performed by the user with the device and the area or areas in which the movement is performed, associating the movement performed and the area or areas in which the movement is performed with at least one function of at least one of the vehicle's pieces of equipment, and activation by the management system of the at least one associated function.