System for managing sensor for detecting intention to open and / or unlock movable cover of motor vehicle
Through the two-stage activation mechanism of the medium-range detection module and the intention sensor, combined with ultra-wideband RF and Bluetooth low-power technology, the problem of high power consumption of existing intention sensors is solved, and the low energy consumption and efficient activation of the intention sensors is achieved, which extends the The service life of the battery in the motor vehicle.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380039387.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-11
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-05
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing intention sensors for detecting the opening and/or unlocking intention of motor vehicle movable covers have high power consumption problems, which makes energy saving difficult to achieve.
The two-stage activation mechanism of the medium-range detection module and the intention sensor is adopted. The intention sensor is activated only when the user is approaching and the authentication conditions are met. The state control is used for ultra-wideband radio frequency signals and Bluetooth low-power technology to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
It effectively reduces the power consumption of the intention sensor, limits its activation time to the greatest extent, extends the charging state of the motor vehicle battery, and adds new functions without increasing power consumption.
Smart Images

Figure CN119183493A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and more particularly to the field of detecting an intention to open and / or unlock a flap of a motor vehicle. Background Art
[0002] Intention sensors for detecting the user's intention to open and / or unlock a flap of a motor vehicle are known in the prior art. Detecting this intention allows the opening or unlocking to be automatically controlled for optimal user comfort.
[0003] Such an intention sensor may be constituted by a presence sensor of the capacitive type, for example. Such a sensor comprises measuring electrodes, the capacitance value of which depends on the presence or absence of a hand of a human operator in the immediate vicinity.
[0004] As a variant, the intention sensor may comprise a gesture detector based on, for example, radar technology and configured to detect predetermined gestures made by a human operator in the vicinity of the vehicle.
[0005] In a manner known per se, and in order to limit its power consumption, the intention sensor is activated intermittently with predetermined activation periods.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution for reducing the power consumption of such an intent sensor. Summary of the invention
[0007] This object is achieved with a system for managing an intention sensor, the system comprising:
[0008] a mid-range detection module, intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle and capable of measuring the current distance relative to the user's portable authentication device; and
[0009] An intention sensor, intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle and capable of detecting an intention expressed by a user to open and / or unlock a flap of the motor vehicle.
[0010] According to the present invention:
[0011] - the mid-range detection module has a standby state and an active state, and is configured to measure the current distance only when it is in the active state;
[0012] - the mid-range detection module is capable of receiving as input control data for its standby or active state and, in response thereto, switching from its standby state to its active state;
[0013] - the intention sensor has a standby state and an active state and is configured to detect said intention to open and / or unlock only when it is in the active state; and
[0014] The intention sensor is capable of receiving as input control data for its standby or active state, and in response thereto switching from its standby state to its active state, said control data being dependent on the detection performed by the mid-range detection module.
[0015] In the standby state, the mid-range detection module does not perform any distance measurement. In the active state, the mid-range detection module can be turned on continuously or intermittently to further reduce its power consumption.
[0016] In the same way, in the standby state, the intention sensor does not perform any detection of the intention to open and / or unlock. In the active state, it can be turned on continuously or intermittently to further reduce its power consumption.
[0017] One of the concepts underlying the invention is therefore no longer to consider the intention sensor in isolation, but as part of a set of components generally integrated into a motor vehicle. Another concept underlying the invention is to increase the activation steps or phases so that the activity state of the intention sensor is conditional on two cumulative proximity situations of the user.
[0018] Therefore, in addition to the intention sensor as described by way of introduction, it is typical for a motor vehicle to be equipped with a mid-range detection module capable of measuring the current distance relative to the user's portable authentication device. One of the concepts underlying the invention is to use such a mid-range detection module to control the activity or standby state of the intention sensor.
[0019] According to the invention, the mid-range detection module is adapted so that it has a standby state and an active state and so that it can receive and process control data for its standby or active state. Thus, the first activation phase is associated with switching the mid-range detection module from its standby state to its active state.
[0020] Likewise, the intention sensor is adapted so that it has a standby state and an active state, and so that it can receive and process control data for its standby or active state.The second activation phase is related to switching the intention sensor from its standby state to its active state.
[0021] The mid-range detection module is configured to measure the current distance relative to the portable authentication device of the user. It allows the generation of control data for the intent sensor according to at least one measured distance. These control data can be generated directly by the mid-range detection module. As a variant, these control data are generated by the central control unit in response to data provided by the mid-range detection module and related to at least one measured distance.
[0022] Therefore, the intent sensor is switched to its active state only when two conditions are successively combined:
[0023] 1 / The mid-range detection module receives control data of its standby or active state; and
[0024] 2 / Receives control data of its standby or active state from the intent sensor.
[0025] This two-stage activation allows limiting the activation moments of the intent sensor to a minimum and therefore allows minimizing the power consumption of the intent sensor.
[0026] Furthermore, this two-stage activation employs a mid-range detection module that is simply adapted to enable implementation of the present invention. Thus, the present invention does not necessitate the integration of additional components into the vehicle.
[0027] Advantageously, the mid-range detection module comprises at least one transmitter and receiver module configured to transmit and receive ultra-wideband radio frequency signals. The ultra-wideband radio frequency signals have a transmission spectrum band and correspondingly a reception spectrum band, the transmission spectrum band being strictly greater than 500 MHz or strictly greater than 20% of the center frequency of the transmission spectrum band, and correspondingly a reception spectrum band being strictly greater than 500 MHz or strictly greater than 20% of the center frequency of the reception spectrum band, the smallest of these two values being retained. Advantageously, the center frequency is between 2 GHz and 12 GHz, preferably between 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz. Preferably, the power spectral density is of the order of 40 dBm / MHz, advantageously between 35 dBm / MHz and 45 dBm / MHz, in particular equal to 41.3 dBm / MHz. Advantageously, the mid-range detection module is then based on a technology known as ultra-wideband (or UWB, for English “Ultra Wide Band”).
[0028] According to the invention, the control data for the standby or active state of the medium-range detection module relate to the detection of the entry of an authenticated user into a predetermined boundary, referred to as the wide boundary. These control data are provided by means of a long-range detection and authentication module. Such a module advantageously comprises a transmitter and a receiver module configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals of the Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (or BLE, for “Bluetooth Low Energy” in English) type. It is typical that a motor vehicle is equipped with such a long-range detection and authentication module, so that in this case too, the invention requires only the adaptation of components already present in the vehicle.
[0029] The control data for the standby or active state of the medium-range detection module can be generated directly by the long-range detection and authentication module. As a variant, these control data are generated by the central control unit in response to data provided by the long-range detection and authentication module and related to user authentication.
[0030] The system according to the present invention may further include the central control unit, which includes at least one processor and is configured to:
[0031] - upon receiving data relating to at least one distance measured by the mid-range detection module, generating and sending to the intention sensor control data for a standby or active state of the intention sensor; and / or
[0032] - upon receiving data relating to user authentication provided by the long-range detection and authentication module, generating and sending to the medium-range detection module control data for the standby or active state of the medium-range detection module.
[0033] According to the invention, in its active state, the mid-range detection module is configured to perform continuous measurements of the current distance relative to the user's portable authentication device in order to detect the user's entry into a predetermined boundary, called the restricted boundary.
[0034] Said control data for the standby or active state of the intention sensor depends on data relating to the entry of the user into the restricted boundary, which data are obtained by means of the mid-range detection module.
[0035] Preferably, said control data for the standby or active state of the intention sensor also depend on data relating to the movements of the user towards the motor vehicle, these data being obtained by means of the mid-range detection module.
[0036] Advantageously, the intention sensor comprises a presence sensor of the capacitive type, which is configured to be integrated into a handle on the motor vehicle and is configured to detect the presence of a user in the immediate vicinity of said handle. The intention sensor may also comprise a short-range authentication module, which is configured to exchange authentication data with a portable authentication device of the user so as to authenticate said user.
[0037] As a variation, the intent sensor may include a radar sensor configured to perform gesture detection.
[0038] The system according to the invention also comprises a long-range detection and authentication module, intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle and configured to exchange data with a portable authentication device of a user so as to detect the entry of an authenticated user into a boundary, referred to as a wide boundary, control data for the standby or active state of the medium-range detection module depending on said detection.
[0039] The long range detection and authentication module may include at least one radio frequency module configured to transmit an ultra-high frequency radio frequency signal having a carrier frequency higher than 2 GHz.
[0040] The invention also relates to a method for waking up an intent sensor implemented in a system according to the invention and comprising the following steps implemented from an initial state of the system in which each of the mid-range detection module and the intent sensor is in a standby state:
[0041] b2) receiving, by the mid-range detection module, control data for its standby or active state and, in response thereto, switching the mid-range detection module from its standby state to its active state;
[0042] c) continuously measuring, by means of the mid-range detection module, the current distance between the mid-range detection module and the portable authentication device of the user in order to detect the entry of the user into a boundary, referred to as a restricted boundary;
[0043] d1) generating and sending control data for a standby or active state of an intent sensor when a user is detected entering into a restricted boundary;
[0044] d2) receiving, by the intention sensor, said control data for its standby or active state and in response thereto switching the intention sensor from its standby state to its active state.
[0045] The method according to the invention is implemented in a system further comprising a long-range detection and authentication module configured to exchange data with a portable authentication device of a user so as to detect the entry of an authenticated user into a boundary referred to as a wide boundary, and the method further comprises the following steps:
[0046] a) monitoring the vehicle's environment with the aid of a long-range detection and authentication module for detecting the entry of an authenticated user into a wide perimeter;
[0047] b1) When an authenticated user is detected entering into the wide boundary, control data for the standby or active state of the mid-range detection module is generated and sent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be further apparent when reading the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0049] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A motor vehicle comprising a system according to the invention is shown in a schematic manner, represented during use;
[0050] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 shows in a schematic manner a system according to the invention; and
[0051] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 The method according to the invention is illustrated in a schematic manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] First refer to Figure 1 A motor vehicle 10 is depicted that includes a system 100 according to the present invention.
[0053] The system 100 is capable of communicating with a portable authentication device 200 of a user.
[0054] The user's portable authentication device 200 is formed, for example, by an authentication badge (or a key card, in English "key fob"). As a variant, it may include a smartphone (or in English "smartphone"). The user's portable authentication device 200 is capable of establishing two-way wireless communication with at least one module located in the motor vehicle and provides an authentication key allowing to distinguish between users authorized to access the vehicle and users not authorized to access the vehicle. During use, the user's portable authentication device 200 is carried by the user 210.
[0055] exist Figure 1 Also shown in FIG. 5 are a wide boundary P1 and a restricted boundary P2.
[0056] The wide border P1 delimits a first surface, preferably circular, centred on the motor vehicle 10 and having a first radius R1. Preferably, the radius R1 is greater than or equal to 3 metres, for example between 10 and 3 metres.
[0057] The limited boundary P2 delimits a second surface, preferably circular, centered on the motor vehicle 10 and having a second radius R2 strictly smaller than R1. The ratio between the radii R1 and R2 is advantageously greater than or equal to 3. Preferably, the radius R2 is less than or equal to 1 meter, for example between 1 meter and 50 centimeters.
[0058] Next, refer to Figure 2 And an implementation example of the system 100 according to the present invention is described in a more detailed manner.
[0059] The system 100 includes:
[0060] - mid-range detection module 110; and
[0061] -Intent sensor 120.
[0062] During use, the mid-range detection module 110 is integrated into the motor vehicle 10. It is integrated, for example but in a non-limiting manner, in a door handle, or in a transverse pillar between two doors, or in the rear bumper. It can be integrated in the same housing as the intention sensor 120, or relatively remote from the intention sensor 120.
[0063] The mid-range detection module 110 is capable of measuring at least one distance relative to the portable authentication device 200 of the user. To this end, the mid-range detection module 110 is capable of establishing a two-way wireless communication 11 with the portable authentication device 200 of the user and calculating a flight time representing the current distance between the mid-range detection module 110 and the portable authentication device 200 of the user. In an advantageous manner, this two-way communication 11 uses an ultra-wideband (or UWB, for "Ultra Wide Band" in English) radio frequency signal. The spectral bandwidth of the radio frequency signal is advantageously greater than 500 MHz or greater than 20% of the center frequency of the transmission and reception spectral bands, taking the smallest of the two thresholds. The mid-range detection module 110 comprises at least one radio frequency signal transmission and reception module and at least one signal processing module.
[0064] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , the user's portable authentication device 200 is represented twice, at two different moments in the method according to the invention.
[0065] The mid-range detection module 110 differs from the equivalent modules of the prior art in that it has a standby state and an active state and that it can switch from the standby state to the active state in response to receiving control data for its standby or active state provided by an external module capable of communicating with the mid-range detection module 110.
[0066] The standby state corresponds to an energy saving mode in which the mid-range detection module 110 does not transmit a radio frequency signal allowing the calculation of the current distance value.
[0067] The active state corresponds to a more energy-consuming mode in which the mid-range detection module 110 transmits radio frequency signals and calculates the current distance value from the user's portable authentication device 200. The active state may correspond to transmitting signals continuously or at regular intervals to further limit the overall energy consumption of the mid-range detection module 110.
[0068] The mid-range detection module 110 is configured to regularly measure the current distance from the user's portable authentication device 200 when it is active, so as to detect the user's entry into the restricted boundary P2. The user's entry into the restricted boundary P2 corresponds to the distance between the mid-range detection module 110 and the user's portable authentication device 200 being less than or equal to the radius R2 of the restricted boundary P2.
[0069] Mid-range detection module 110 may be configured to directly or indirectly provide control data for a standby or active state of intent sensor 120 to intent sensor 120 .
[0070] These control data may be generated directly within the mid-range detection module 110 and then sent to the intent sensor 120 (direct provision).
[0071] As a variant, the mid-range detection module 110 sends data related to the current distance from the user to a central control unit (not represented). When the current distance from the user indicates that the user has entered the restricted boundary P2, the central control unit generates said control data and sends said control data to the intention sensor 120 (provided indirectly). Such a central control unit can be composed of at least one processor called BCM (Body Control Module, for English "Body Control Module"). The data exchanged between the mid-range detection module 110 and the central control unit, respectively between the central control unit and the intention sensor, are digital data.
[0072] In any case, the generation of the control data is conditional on the detection of the user entering within the restricted boundary P2. When the data are received by the intention sensor 120, these data cause the intention sensor 120 to switch from its standby state to its active state.
[0073] Control data for the standby or active state of the intention sensor 120 may be generated only as long as the distance between the mid-range detection module 110 and the user's portable authentication device 200 is less than or equal to the radius R2 of the restricted boundary P2. As a variant, there may be an additional condition as follows: a proximity movement is detected (the distance between the mid-range detection module 110 and the user's portable authentication device 200 decreases regularly and gradually). It is thus possible to filter out true errors corresponding to the user unintentionally entering the restricted boundary P2 without intending to access the motor vehicle.
[0074] During use, the intention sensor 120 is integrated into the motor vehicle 10 , for example into a door handle, or into a transverse pillar between two doors, or into the rear bumper.
[0075] It is capable of detecting an intention expressed by a user located outside the motor vehicle 10 to open and / or unlock the flap of said vehicle.
[0076] The intention may be manifested as the presence of a user's hand in the immediate vicinity of the intention sensor 120. The intention sensor 120 is then formed by a presence sensor, in particular of the capacitive type. In a manner known per se, a capacitive type presence sensor comprises measuring electrodes, the capacitance value of which depends on whether a part of the human body is present in its immediate vicinity. Other types of presence sensors, for example based on inductive phenomena, are also known. The intention sensor 120 may also comprise a signal processing module, which is configured to generate and send a command to unlock the movable cover of the motor vehicle in response to detecting a presence.
[0077] As a variant, the intention may be manifested by the fact that a human operator makes a predetermined gesture near the sensor, for example a gesture of a foot or a hand. The intention sensor 120 is then formed by a gesture detector, which advantageously comprises: a transceiver for sending and receiving radio frequency signals; and a signal processing module. The intention sensor 120 may also comprise a module configured to generate and send a control command for opening the movable cover of the motor vehicle in response to detecting a predetermined gesture.
[0078] In the case where the intention sensor 120 is a presence sensor, it is advantageously accompanied by a short-range authentication module (not represented). Such a short-range authentication module advantageously comprises a near field communication (or NFC, for “Near Field Communication” in English) antenna. Such a module is able to establish a directional wireless communication with a portable authentication device 200 of the user and to receive from said device an authentication key allowing to distinguish between users authorized to access the vehicle and users not authorized to access the vehicle. This key allows to validate or not validate the sending of a command to unlock the movable cover of the motor vehicle. The short-range authentication module is advantageously integrated with the intention sensor 120 in the same housing intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle, for example in a handle.
[0079] The intention sensor 120 differs from an equivalent sensor of the prior art in that it has a standby state and an active state and that it can switch from the standby state to the active state in response to receiving control data for its standby or active state. As previously detailed, these control data are obtained with the aid of the mid-range detection module 110 and can be generated directly in said module 110 or in the central control unit.
[0080] The standby state corresponds to an energy saving mode in which the intention sensor 120 does not allow for detecting an intention to open and / or unlock (via detection of a predetermined presence or gesture).
[0081] The active state corresponds to a more energy-consuming mode in which the intent sensor 120 can detect an intention to open and / or unlock. The active state may correspond to powering on continuously or at regular intervals to further limit the power consumption of the intent sensor 120.
[0082] Figure 2 Also shown is a long range detection and authentication module 130. The long range detection and authentication module 130 forms an integral part of the system according to the invention.
[0083] During use, the long-range detection and authentication module 130 is integrated into the motor vehicle 10. It is able to detect the entry of an authenticated user into the wide perimeter P1. In other words, it is able to authenticate the user and detect that the distance between the long-range detection and authentication module 130 and the portable authentication device 200 of the user is less than or equal to the radius R1 of the wide perimeter P1. The user as mentioned above advantageously corresponds to said authenticated user.
[0084] The long-range detection and authentication module 130 simultaneously performs authentication of the user and detection of the user entering the wide perimeter P1. To this end, the long-range detection and authentication module 130 is capable of establishing a two-way wireless communication 13 with a portable authentication device 200 of the user and receiving an authentication key from the portable authentication device 200 of the user for distinguishing between users authorized to access the vehicle and users not authorized to access the vehicle. In an advantageous manner, this two-way communication 13 uses ultra-high frequency radio frequency signals, in particular Bluetooth signals, at a frequency between 300 MHz and 3 GHz and more particularly between 2 GHz and 3 GHz. The long-range detection and authentication module 130 may comprise an ultra-high frequency radio frequency signal transmitting and receiving module preferably located in a central manner on the motor vehicle. The long-range detection and authentication module 130 also comprises at least one signal processing module capable of performing signal processing for obtaining information related to the entry of an authenticated user into the wide perimeter P1. The information may combine authentication information related to the reception of the authentication key and distance information related to, for example, the calculation of the flight time. As a variant, the information may be simple authentication information, wherein it is assumed that, in order for the remote detection and authentication module 130 to receive the authentication key, the user's portable authentication device 200 should have entered the restricted perimeter P1 .
[0085] The long-range detection and authentication module 130 is configured to directly or indirectly provide control data for the standby or active state of the mid-range detection module 110 .
[0086] Such data may be generated directly within the long-range detection and authentication module 130 and then sent to the mid-range detection module 110 (direct provision).
[0087] As a variant, the long-range detection and authentication module 130 sends data related to the user authentication key and, if necessary, data related to the current distance from the user to the central control unit as mentioned above. When these data indicate that the authenticated user has entered the wide boundary P1, the central control unit generates the control data and sends the control data to the medium-range detection module 110 (indirect provision). The data exchanged between the long-range detection and authentication module 130 and the central control unit, respectively between the central control unit and the medium-range detection module 110, are digital data.
[0088] In any case, the generation of the control data is conditional upon the detection of entry of an authenticated user into the wide perimeter P1. The data, when received by the mid-range detection module 110, enables the mid-range detection module 110 to switch from its standby state to its active state.
[0089] Next, refer to Figure 3 The description is advantageously implemented in Figure 2 An example of the method according to the invention in a system 100 is shown in FIG.
[0090] For the sake of completeness, preparatory steps are also described which do not necessarily form part of the method according to the invention.
[0091] The method according to the present invention is implemented starting from an initial state of the system 100 according to the present invention in which each of the intention sensor 120 and the mid-range detection module 110 is in a corresponding standby state.
[0092] The method first comprises a step 31 of monitoring the environment of the motor vehicle 10 in view of detecting the entry of an authenticated user into the wide boundary P1 (see Figure 1 ).
[0093] This preliminary step is advantageously carried out with the aid of the long-range detection and authentication module 130 .
[0094] As previously detailed, detection of an authenticated user corresponds to detection of a user's portable authentication device 200 carrying an authentication key associated with a user authorized to access the motor vehicle 10. Data related to the authorized identification key may be stored within the long-range detection and authentication module 130 or in a remote memory.
[0095] When the entry of an authenticated user into the wide boundary P1 is detected (condition C1 ), the method comprises a second preliminary step 32 consisting in generating control data for the standby or active state of the mid-range detection module 110 and sending these data to said module 110 .
[0096] This step 32 can be implemented directly by the long-range detection and authentication module 130. In a preferred variant, the long-range detection and authentication module 130 provides the central control unit as described above with data related to the entry of the authenticated user into the wide perimeter P1. Based on these data, the central control unit generates control data for the standby or active state of the medium-range detection module 110 and sends these data to said module 110.
[0097] In response to receiving these control data, the mid-range detection module 110 switches from its standby state to its active state (step 33). Steps 32 and 33 together form the step of controlling the mid-range detection module 110 so that the mid-range detection module 110 transitions from its standby state to its active state.
[0098] The method then comprises a step 34 of monitoring the environment of the motor vehicle to detect entry of an authenticated user into the restricted perimeter P2. To this end, the mid-range detection module 110 performs continuous measurements of the current distance relative to the portable authentication device 200 of the user, as detailed above.
[0099] When the entry of an authenticated user into the restricted boundary P2 is detected (condition C2 ), the method comprises a step 35 consisting in generating control data for the standby or active state of the intention sensor 120 and sending these data to said sensor 120 .
[0100] This step 35 can be implemented directly by the mid-range detection module 110. In a preferred variant, the mid-range detection module 110 provides the central control unit with data related to the entry of the authenticated user into the restricted perimeter P2. Based on these data, the central control unit generates control data for the standby or active state of the intention sensor 120 and sends these data to said sensor 120.
[0101] In response to receiving these control data, the intention sensor 120 switches from its standby state to its active state (step 36). Steps 35 and 36 together form a step of controlling the intention sensor 120 to cause the intention sensor 120 to transition from its standby state to its active state.
[0102] The method may then comprise a step (not represented) of detecting the presence of a human being in the immediate vicinity or detecting a predetermined gesture by means of the intention sensor.
[0103] The method may then comprise the step of controlling by the intention sensor to open or unlock a flap of the motor vehicle in response to detecting the presence of a human being in the immediate vicinity of the sensor or in response to detecting a predetermined gesture.
[0104] At the end of this step of controlling to open or unlock or after a predetermined time interval or after any other predetermined condition is achieved, the system according to the present invention can return to its initial state, in which each of the intention sensor and the mid-range detection module is in a standby state.
[0105] The method according to the invention thus performs a wake-up of the intention sensor, allowing the power consumption of the intention sensor to be limited to the greatest extent possible.
[0106] Where necessary, intent sensor 120 may include a short-range authentication module capable of receiving an authentication key of a user's portable authentication device 200 and confirming or potentially revoking the authentication performed by long-range detection and authentication module 130 .
[0107] The invention allows to limit the power consumption of the intention sensor to the greatest extent possible. The state of charge of at least one battery of the motor vehicle is thus preserved to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, this allows to add new functions to the intention sensor without increasing the power consumption. For example, the intention sensor can simultaneously include a presence sensor and a short-range authentication module, while offering low power consumption.
[0108] The invention also allows reducing the average power consumption of the mid-range detection module.
Claims
1. A system (100) for managing an intent sensor, the system comprising: a long-range detection and authentication module (130) intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle (10) and configured to exchange data with a portable authentication device (200) of a user so as to detect the entry of an authenticated user into a boundary referred to as a wide boundary (P2); a mid-range detection module (110) intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle and capable of measuring the current distance relative to the user's portable authentication device (200) via two-way communication with the user's portable authentication device (200); and an intention sensor (120) intended to be integrated into a motor vehicle and capable of detecting an intention expressed by a user to open and / or unlock a flap of the motor vehicle; Features: - the mid-range detection module (110) has a standby state and an active state, and the mid-range detection module (110) is capable of receiving as input control data for its standby or active state, and switching from its standby state to its active state in response thereto, the control data being dependent on detection of entry of an authenticated user into the wide perimeter (P2) by the long-range detection and authentication module (130); - the mid-range detection module (110) is configured, only in its active state, to perform continuous measurements of the current distance relative to the user's portable authentication device (200) in order to detect the user's entry into a predetermined boundary (P2) called the restricted boundary; - the intention sensor (120) has a standby state and an active state and is configured to detect the intention to open and / or unlock only when it is in the active state; and - The intention sensor (120) is capable of receiving as input control data for its standby or active state, and in response thereto switching from its standby state to its active state, the control data being dependent on detection of a user entering into the restricted boundary (P2) by the mid-range detection module (110).
2. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The mid-range detection module (110) includes at least one transmitter and receiver module, which are configured to transmit and receive ultra-wideband radio frequency signals, the ultra-wideband radio frequency signals having a spectrum band with a width strictly greater than 500 MHz or strictly greater than 20% of the center frequency of the spectrum band.
3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control data for the standby or active state of the intention sensor (120) also depend on data relating to the movement of the user towards the motor vehicle (10), which data are obtained with the aid of the mid-range detection module (110).
4. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The intention sensor (120) comprises a capacitive type presence sensor configured to be integrated into a handle on a motor vehicle (10) and to detect the presence of a user in the immediate vicinity of the handle.
5. The system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The intent sensor (120) also includes a short-range authentication module configured to exchange authentication data with a portable authentication device (200) of a user to enable authentication of the user.
6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The intent sensor (120) includes a radar sensor configured to perform gesture detection.
7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The long-range detection and authentication module (130) includes at least one radio frequency module configured to transmit an ultra-high frequency radio frequency signal having a carrier frequency higher than 2 GHz.
8. A method for waking up an intention sensor (120) implemented in a system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps implemented from an initial state of the system in which each of the mid-range detection module (110) and the intention sensor (120) is in a standby state: a) monitoring the vehicle's environment with the aid of a long-range detection and authentication module (130) for detecting entry of an authenticated user into the wide perimeter (P1); b1) generating and sending control data for the standby or active state of the mid-range detection module (110) when an authenticated user is detected entering the wide boundary (P1); b2) receiving control data for the mid-range detection module (110) for its standby or active state, and in response thereto switching the mid-range detection module (110) from its standby state to its active state; c) continuously measuring, by means of the mid-range detection module (110), the current distance between the mid-range detection module (110) and the user's portable authentication device (200) in order to detect the user's entry into a boundary referred to as the restricted boundary (P2); d1) generating and sending control data for a standby or active state of an intent sensor (120) when a user is detected to enter within a restricted boundary (P2); d2) receiving, by the intention sensor (120), said control data for its standby or active state, and in response thereto switching the intention sensor (120) from its standby state to its active state.
