Vehicle Indicator Signal Feedback for Key Fob Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle communication systems, such as smart entry systems, lack effective methods to diagnose issues like mechanical failures in key fob communication, where the LED indicator does not accurately reflect the success of vehicle functions due to factors like broken RF receivers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a vehicle control unit transmits search signals to a portable device, receives location information signals, determines if a vehicle function should be performed, and sends a command signal along with an indicator signal to illuminate the device's indicator, ensuring the user is informed of the command's status irrespective of the function's execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple search method with LED indicator is used to show key fob transmission, then the system is easy to operate, but the LED indicator does not accurately reflect the success of vehicle functions due to mechanical failures or broken RF receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism by transmitting an indicator signal from the vehicle to the portable device that accurately reflects whether the vehicle function was successfully performed. The control unit determines if the actuation signal was successfully received and processed, then sends a specific indicator signal (e.g., two rapid blinks) to confirm successful execution, distinguishing it from mere transmission confirmation (e.g., one slow blink). This feedback loop ensures the user receives accurate information about function completion status.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator signaling system is segmented into distinct signal patterns that differentiate between transmission status and function execution status. The portable device can display different blink patterns: one pattern indicates the vehicle received the signal, another pattern indicates the function was successfully executed, and potentially another indicates failure. This segmentation allows the user to understand the specific state of the system at each stage.
2Device complexity
If the LED indicator only shows that the key fob has responded, then the device complexity is low, but the user cannot diagnose problems effectively when mechanical failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides diagnostic feedback by sending specific indicator signals that convey the actual execution status of the vehicle function. When a user actuates a function and the portable device receives an indicator signal confirming successful execution (e.g., two rapid blinks), the user can diagnose that the system is working correctly. If the signal pattern indicates failure or if no signal is received, the user can diagnose potential mechanical failures or RF receiver issues, enabling effective troubleshooting without increasing significant device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the portable device determine and send diagnostic information based on its own internal state, the system inverts the approach by having the vehicle's control unit determine the actual function execution status and send that information back to the portable device. This inversion ensures that the diagnostic information comes from the authoritative source (the vehicle system that actually performed or failed to perform the function) rather than from the portable device's assumptions.
3Reliability
If the system determines vehicle function appropriateness based on location information, then the reliability of function execution is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional signal transmission and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device and vehicle system are designed with multi-functionality: the same communication infrastructure transmits both location information signals and indicator signals. The control unit performs multiple functions: determining location appropriateness, deciding whether to execute the vehicle function, and sending the appropriate indicator signal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining improved reliability through location-based execution control.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart communication system and method are provided for illuminating an indicator on a portable device wherein at least one search signal is transmitted from at least one vehicle antenna in response to receipt of an actuation signal requesting a vehicle function be performed. A transmitted location information signal is received after the portable device receives the at least one search signal and transmits the location information signal. Whether the particular vehicle function is appropriate is determined based on the received location information signal. Both a command signal corresponding to the vehicle function and an indicator signal for illuminating the indicator on the portable device are sent when determined that the vehicle function is appropriate to perform based on the received location information signal.