Vehicle UWB Connection Setup via BLE Parameter Negotiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.15.4 for UWB, are insufficient for establishing secure communication between arbitrary, unpaired devices, limiting the ability to enable keyless access to vehicles without static pairing.

Innovation Solution

The method employs an additional communication protocol, like BLE, to exchange configuration parameters for setting up a secure UWB communication channel, enabling cryptographically secure ranging procedures for touchless vehicle access by configuring UWB transceivers based on negotiated parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UWB protocol is used for secure communication, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to insufficient protocol capabilities for arbitrary device pairing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging precisionVSAvoidcommunication setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an auxiliary communication channel (first communication channel) as an intermediary to facilitate the setup of UWB communication. This intermediary channel carries configuration parameters that enable the second UWB communication channel to establish secure ranging between previously unpaired devices, resolving the contradiction between precise ranging and pairing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If static pairing is implemented, then reliability is improved, but adaptability worsens as devices cannot communicate with arbitrary unpaired devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary exchange of configuration parameters through the first communication channel before establishing the UWB communication. This preliminary action enables arbitrary devices to be pre-configured with necessary parameters for secure UWB ranging without requiring prior static pairing, thus maintaining reliability while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically exchanges and configures communication parameters between devices through the auxiliary channel. By changing and adapting parameters based on the specific devices involved, the system achieves secure communication between arbitrary unpaired devices, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If NFC protocol is used for digital key access, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to inability to perform accurate ranging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidranging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of NFC-like ease of operation with UWB-like precise ranging by using the first communication channel for simple parameter exchange and the second UWB channel for accurate distance measurement. This combination achieves both convenient touch-free access and precise ranging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4007317B1Method, vehicle and program code for establishing a short-range wireless connection
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4007317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4007317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4007317B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods, systems and devices for establishing a short-range wireless connection, for example between a mobile device and a vehicle. According to one aspect, a method for establishing a short-range wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle comprises: establishing a first communication channel between the mobile device and at least one controller of the vehicle using a first communication protocol; negotiating at least one configuration parameter between the mobile device and the at least one controller of the vehicle via the first communication channel; and establishing a second communication channel between the mobile device and at least one transceiver unit of the vehicle using a second communication protocol based on the negotiated at least one configuration parameter. The disclosed methods, systems and devices may be used, for example, for establishing an ultra-wideband communication between a mobile phone and a vehicle for enabling contactless access to the vehicle.