Vehicle Proximity Detection Using Master-Slave BLE Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote keyless systems for vehicles are costly due to the use of fully functional BLE-enabled transceiver modules, which can be reduced in complexity and cost by employing slave transmitter modules that only transmit wireless messages without receiving capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a remote keyless system with a master transceiver module paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) that uses slave transmitter modules with only wireless transmission capabilities, reducing system complexity and cost by eliminating the need for wireless receivers in these modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fully functional BLE-enabled transceiver modules are used in all locations, then wireless communication capability is complete, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the wireless communication functionality into two distinct segments: master transceiver modules with full BLE capability (transmit and receive) and slave transmitter modules with only transmission capability. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete wireless communication capability through the master-slave architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master transceiver modules serve multiple functions by handling both transmission and reception of wireless messages, while also managing the coordination of slave transmitter modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate receiver modules in each location, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If fully functional BLE-enabled transceiver modules are used in all locations, then wireless communication capability is complete, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments wireless communication modules into master transceivers with full functionality and slave transmitters with reduced functionality (transmission only). This segmentation enables the use of lower-cost slave transmitter modules in locations where reception capability is not required, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining complete wireless communication capability through the master-slave architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slave transmitter modules are designed as simpler, lower-cost components that perform a single function (transmission). By using these cheaper modules in multiple locations instead of expensive fully-functional transceivers, the system achieves cost reduction while maintaining operational reliability through the coordinated master-slave architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 significantly lowers the system's cost while maintaining functionality by using slave transmitter modules that are capable only of transmitting wireless messages, thereby reducing the overall system complexity and enhancing cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A master transceiver module is configured to pair with a wireless device; wirelessly transmit data to and receive data from the wireless device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receive a plurality of second wireless messages directly from the wireless device, wherein the second wireless messages comprise data including received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) corresponding to each of the plurality of slave transmitter modules, respectively; and determine a location of the wireless device relative to the vehicle based on the RSSIs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS9807570B1Systems and methods for detecting proximity and location of a smartphone or other device to a vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A remote keyless system for a vehicle includes a plurality of slave transmitter modules arranged in a plurality of locations in the vehicle. A master transceiver module is configured to pair with a wireless device; wirelessly transmit data to and receive data from the wireless device; transmit first wired messages to the plurality of slave transmitter modules to send first wireless messages to the wireless device; receive a plurality of second wireless messages directly from the wireless device, wherein the second wireless messages comprise data including received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) corresponding to each of the plurality of slave transmitter modules, respectively; and determine a location of the wireless device relative to the vehicle based on the RSSIs in the plurality of second wireless messages.