Vehicle UWB Activation Using Adaptive Device Location Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of a portable device using ultra-wideband communication in vehicles are inaccurate due to signal reflections and variations in signal strength across different devices, especially with new models not included in the training data, leading to unreliable activation of vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive method and device that dynamically adjusts to new portable devices by establishing a bijective function linking signal strength and time-of-flight values, using direct signals within specific criteria to adapt a predictive model for accurate location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultra-wideband location methods using signal strength and time-of-flight are used, then the system can work with various portable devices, but the location accuracy deteriorates due to signal reflections and device variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to each new portable device by establishing a bijective function specific to that device. Instead of using a static predictive model trained only on reference devices, the system creates a dynamic adaptation layer that learns the unique signal characteristics of each device type, thereby maintaining location accuracy across diverse device portfolios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter relationship by establishing a bijective function between signal strength and time-of-flight for each device type. This bijective relationship allows the system to transform measurements from one parameter space to another, compensating for device-specific variations and reflection effects, thus improving location precision while maintaining versatility.
2Measurement precision
If a predictive model trained on reference portable devices is used, then location determination works for known devices, but it fails to accurately locate new device models not included in training data
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the bijective function to continuously adapt to new device characteristics. When a new portable device type is encountered, the system learns its specific signal patterns and updates the bijective function accordingly, allowing the predictive model to progressively improve its accuracy for new device models through accumulated experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The bijective function acts as an intermediary layer between the raw signal measurements and the predictive model. This intermediary transforms and normalizes device-specific variations, allowing the predictive model to work effectively with both reference and new device models without requiring retraining on each new device type.
3Ease of manufacture
If signal strength-based location methods are used in automotive environments, then the system can operate with existing communication infrastructure, but signal reflections from metal walls cause high inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of signal reflections into a beneficial characteristic by incorporating it into the bijective function. Instead of trying to eliminate or avoid reflected signals, the system learns to recognize and compensate for the specific reflection patterns characteristic of each device type, transforming the previously harmful interference into a recognizable signal signature that aids location accuracy.
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
Accurately determines the location of new portable devices relative to the vehicle, enabling reliable activation of vehicle functions without requiring extensive hardware changes, solely through software updates.
Implementation Method 1
the ultra-wideband signal is generally transmitted by taking several propagation paths between the portable device and the antenna of the vehicle. Thus, the signals can become attenuated because they have been reflected by one or more metal walls before being received.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive method for activating a vehicle function using a user's portable device and communicating in ultra-wideband with the vehicle. The function being activated based on the portable device's location by applying a predictive model trained beforehand using pairs of predetermined received signal strength values and predetermined time-of-flight values from a plurality of reference portable devices, and using authentication of the portable device, the method: establishing beforehand a bijective function linking the received signal strength values and the time-of-flight values; then: for a plurality of direct signals received from a new portable device: establishing a new bijective function; using each new pair of values for time-of-flight and received signal strength; calculating a received signal strength difference between the two bijective functions; applying the difference to the training received signal strength values; determining the location of the new portable device using the new pairs of received signal strength and time-of-flight values and by applying the modified predictive model; activating the vehicle function according to the location.