Automotive powered door activation using accelerometer

Abstract

Voice control is extended outside of an automotive vehicle by an access system associated with a door and window. An accelerometer is mounted on the window to generate a vibration signal. A passive entry system generates an unlock standby signal when an authorized user carrying a wireless fob is detected proximate the door. A voice recognizer in the vehicle is activated by the standby signal to scan the vibration signal for a spoken command for opening the door. A door actuator is activated by the voice recognizer when the command is detected.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to accessing a motor vehicle or vehicle functions using spoken voice commands outside the vehicle, and more particularly to an access system that uses a vehicle window as part of a microphone-like structure for detecting spoken voice commands. Background technique [0002] Passive keyless entry is a technology in which the user of a vehicle is able to unlock the doors without manually inserting a key into the lock. Alternatively, the user carries a wireless transponder or transceiver (ie, a key fob) that carries secure data that is automatically exchanged with the vehicle in order to authenticate the user. Touching the door handle is typically used to initiate an interrogation of the fob in a small area around the door. [0003] Some doors, such as the rear liftgate on a sport utility vehicle or the sliding side doors on a minivan, may include a powered actuator for opening the door. Activation of the power doo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Some users may also find it difficult to hold large loads in their hands while having to stand on one foot to activate the sensor

Also, motion / proximity sensors tend to be relatively expensive

Images