Vehicle Zone Detection Using BLE Beacons and Machine Learning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smartphone applications for vehicle control lack precise location detection capabilities, which limits their ability to accurately determine the proximity of a portable device to the vehicle and enable corresponding functions such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, or disabling texting features based on location.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system utilizing a plurality of wireless transmitters, such as Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons, and a controller that uses machine learning algorithms to determine the predicted zone of a portable device relative to the vehicle, enabling specific vehicle functions associated with that zone, such as unlocking doors or disabling texting, without requiring additional Cloud computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smartphone applications use existing communication interfaces for vehicle control, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of device location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing communication interfaces (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) perform multiple functions: both vehicle control operations and precise location detection. By adding location detection capability to these universal interfaces, the system achieves both ease of operation and measurement precision without requiring separate dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of existing communication interfaces by implementing machine learning algorithms that analyze signal characteristics (strength, timing, frequency) to determine precise location. This transforms ordinary communication signals into location-detecting measurements, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If the system uses machine learning algorithms to determine predicted zone, then measurement precision of location detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having the controller automatically perform machine learning analysis of communication signals to determine device location and predicted zone. The system serves itself by using its own communication infrastructure and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for external cloud computing resources or additional specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location detection function with the existing vehicle control system by integrating machine learning algorithms into the controller. This combines multiple functions (communication, control, location detection) into a single system, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated location detection hardware
3Ease of operation
If the system enables automatic activation of vehicle functions based on predicted zone, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential false location detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring communication signals between the portable device and vehicle transmitters, using machine learning to analyze this feedback data, and adjusting the predicted zone determination accordingly. This continuous feedback loop improves reliability by validating location detection through multiple signal measurements and iterative analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using machine learning algorithms to predict the device's zone before automatic function activation occurs. The system performs preliminary location analysis and prediction, then uses this predicted zone information to trigger appropriate vehicle functions, ensuring reliable and context-appropriate automation
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
Enables precise location detection of a portable device within one meter of the vehicle, allowing for accurate activation of vehicle functions like starting the engine or unlocking doors, and disabling texting when in the driver's seat, enhancing convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of wireless transmitters carried by a vehicle at spaced apart locations and configured to transmit wireless signals
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system may include a wireless transmitters carried by a vehicle at spaced apart locations and configured to transmit wireless signals, and a portable device moveable relative to the vehicle and configured to receive the wireless signals from the wireless transmitters. A controller may be carried by the vehicle and configured to wirelessly communicate with the portable device, determine a predicted zone the portable device is located in from among a plurality of zones relative to the vehicle based upon the received wireless signals and training data, with the zones having respective vehicle functions associated therewith, and enable the respective vehicle function associated with the predicted zone.