Vehicle Locking Key Positioning Using Separate Interior and Exterior Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for transportation vehicles face inaccuracies in determining the position of a key device due to signal reflections, leading to incorrect distance measurements and potential unauthorized locking or failure to start the vehicle, especially in confined spaces like parking lots or garages.
Innovation Solution
The method involves separate interior and exterior time-of-flight measurements using transceivers to determine the key device's position, with the system selecting the most reliable data based on the operating function, such as locking, unlocking, or starting the vehicle, to ensure accurate positioning and prevent measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If time-of-flight measurements are performed using both interior and exterior transceivers, then the positioning coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to signal reflections in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into two independent subsystems: interior transceivers for detecting key devices inside the vehicle, and exterior transceivers for detecting key devices outside the vehicle. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate subsystem based on the operating context, thereby avoiding the use of exterior transceiver data when signal reflections would compromise accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to interior and exterior transceivers based on their respective environments. Interior transceivers operate in the confined space where reflections are common, while exterior transceivers operate in open spaces where direct path measurements are more reliable. The system adapts the measurement methodology to the local environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If exterior transceiver measurements are used in confined spaces, then the key device can be detected outside the vehicle, but incorrect distance measurements occur due to signal reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transceiver system based on the detected environment. When a confined space is detected (indicating the vehicle is in a garage or parking lot), the system switches to using only interior transceiver measurements for exterior key device detection, thereby avoiding the reflection-prone exterior transceiver measurements and maintaining both reliability and precision.
3Measurement precision
If all transceiver measurements are combined for position determination, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic measurement system that adapts the number and type of transceivers used based on environmental conditions. Rather than always using all available transceivers, the system dynamically selects the appropriate subset (interior only, exterior only, or both) based on whether the vehicle is in a confined or open space, thereby optimizing accuracy while managing system complexity.
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 enhances the reliability of key device location and operation of the locking system by minimizing measurement errors caused by signal reflections, ensuring correct locking and starting functions, and adhering to legal requirements for vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
time-of-flight measurements are carried out in each case using at least one interior transceiver which is situated in an interior of the transportation vehicle, and using at least one exterior transceiver which is situated outside the interior of the transportation vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a locking system of a transportation vehicle in which time-of-flight measurements are made using at least one interior transceiver situated in an interior of the transportation vehicle, and using at least one exterior transceiver situated outside the interior; the time-of-flight measurements are used to determine a position of a key device relative to the transportation vehicle; and an operating function of the locking system is performed based on the relative position determined.