Vehicle UWB Anchor Tracking with Proximity-Based Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems that use digital keys with mobile devices consume excessive energy by continuously activating multiple UWB anchors for tracking, which is inefficient and drains battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implement a tracking approach that activates a single UWB anchor when the mobile device is far from the vehicle, switches to multiple anchors as it approaches, and selectively deactivates unnecessary anchors based on proximity, using Bluetooth RSSI for initial detection and TOF for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple UWB anchors are continuously activated for tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active UWB anchors based on the mobile device's proximity to the vehicle. When the device is far away, only one anchor is activated; when closer, multiple anchors are activated. This dynamic configuration optimizes tracking accuracy while minimizing power consumption throughout the interaction sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the necessary number of UWB anchors required for adequate tracking at any given moment, rather than continuously activating all anchors. This partial action approach provides sufficient tracking precision while avoiding excessive power consumption from unnecessary anchor activation.
2Reliability
If all UWB anchors are activated continuously, then tracking reliability is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static all-anchors-on approach to a dynamic configuration where the number of active anchors changes based on proximity. This ensures reliable tracking when needed (when device is close) while conserving battery life during distant periods when full tracking reliability is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of anchor activation from a constant state (all on) to a variable state based on distance thresholds. This parameter change allows the system to maintain adequate tracking reliability while significantly reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single UWB anchor is used, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically scales the number of active UWB anchors based on the mobile device's distance from the vehicle. At far distances, a single anchor suffices for basic detection with low power consumption. As the device approaches and positioning precision becomes more critical, additional anchors are activated to enhance trilateration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different levels of tracking resources to different spatial zones. In distant zones, minimal resources (single anchor) are allocated. In near zones where precise positioning is more valuable, additional anchors are activated to provide higher local quality of positioning precision.
4Measurement precision
If multiple UWB anchors are activated for trilateration, then position identification accuracy is improved, but energy use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates multiple UWB anchors only when the mobile device enters the proximity threshold where trilateration is needed for accurate position identification. When the device is distant, only a single anchor remains active, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates the precise number of anchors needed for trilateration only when and where necessary (when device is close), rather than continuously activating all anchors. This partial action provides sufficient positioning accuracy during close interactions while avoiding excessive energy use during distant periods.
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 method reduces power consumption by selectively activating UWB anchors, optimizing energy use and extending battery life of both the vehicle and mobile device while maintaining accurate tracking.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, using a transceiver of the vehicle, a mobile device reaching a first distance from the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a designated UWB anchor of a plurality of UWB anchors of the vehicle is activated to perform time of flight (TOF) distance measurements between the vehicle and the mobile device
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of UWB anchors are activated to perform trilateration between the vehicle and the mobile device to identify a position of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking approach for mobile devices is performed. Responsive to detecting, using a transceiver of the vehicle, a mobile device reaching a first distance from a vehicle, a designated UWB anchor of a plurality of UWB anchors of the vehicle is activated to perform time-of-flight (TOF) distance measurements between the vehicle and the mobile device. Responsive to the TOF distance measurements between the mobile device and the designated UWB anchor indicating the mobile device has reached a closer, second distance from the vehicle, the plurality of UWB anchors are activated to perform trilateration between the vehicle and the mobile device to identify a position of the mobile device. Based on the position, a subset of the UWB anchors of the vehicle are utilized to continue to perform the trilateration, and a remainder of the UWB anchors other than the subset of the UWB anchors are inhibited to save power.