System and method for controlling a vehicle rear closure

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling a rear closure of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a rear closure, a detection unit, and a notification unit. The rear closure is movable between a closed state and an open state. The detection unit may detect a vehicle access device location proximate to the vehicle. The notification unit may output visual and / or audible notifications. The vehicle may also include a processor that may determine, based on input from the detection unit, that the vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone proximate a rear portion of the vehicle. The processor may activate the notification unit to output a notification for a first predefined duration in response to determining that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone. The processor may also determine a duration of time during which the vehicle access device stays in the predefined zone. The processor may cause the rear closure to open when the duration is greater than the predefined duration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling a vehicle rear closure, and more particularly to systems and methods for moving a vehicle rear closure from a closed state to an open state based on the presence of a vehicle access device proximate the vehicle rear closure. Background Art

[0002] Many modern vehicles implement hands-free opening of the vehicle rear closure. For example, the user can cause the rear closure to open automatically based on a predefined gesture (e.g., waving a hand). In such vehicles, the user may not be required to manually open the rear closure.

[0003] While hands-free opening of the rear closure may be beneficial to the user, particularly when the user's hands may be pre-occupied (e.g., holding one or more objects), there may be situations where the vehicle feature opening of the hands-free rear closure may not activate. For example, if the user performs an incorrect gesture or the vehicle fails to properly read the gesture, the vehicle feature may not activate. This may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system that can activate a rear closure in an opening direction when a user intends to open the rear closure. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure describes a vehicle having a rear enclosure that may be configured to move from a closed state to an open state when a vehicle access device (e.g., a key fob) may be present in a predefined zone proximate to the rear enclosure for more than a predefined duration. The vehicle may be configured to determine when a user with the key fob enters the predefined zone. In response to determining that the key fob may have entered the predefined zone, the vehicle may output a set of notifications via vehicle exterior lights and / or vehicle speakers. In some aspects, the vehicle may output the set of notifications for a first predefined duration and in a specific first pattern (e.g., at a specific frequency rate). The set of notifications may provide an indication to a user that the vehicle has initiated an automated rear enclosure opening process.

[0006] Additionally, the vehicle may monitor the duration that the key fob remains stationary (or has minimal movement) in the predefined zone. In response to determining that the key fob may have been in the entry predefined zone for a first predefined duration, the vehicle may output another set of notifications via vehicle exterior lights and / or vehicle speakers. The vehicle may output another set of notifications for a second predefined duration and in a second mode (which may be different from the first mode). The another set of notifications may provide an indication to the user that the vehicle is about to open the rear closure. When the second predefined duration elapses, the vehicle may automatically open the rear closure.

[0007] In some aspects, the vehicle may output another set of notifications at a predefined pause duration after the first predefined duration has elapsed. In other aspects, the vehicle may first check whether a plurality of predefined vehicle conditions are satisfied before initiating the automated rear closure opening process. The vehicle may initiate the automated rear closure opening process when the plurality of predefined vehicle conditions may be satisfied, and may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process when one or more predefined vehicle conditions may not be satisfied.

[0008] In an exemplary aspect, predefined vehicle conditions may include, but are not limited to, the vehicle being parked, vehicle movement being less than a predefined movement threshold, the vehicle run-start bus being in an off state, the rear closure being in a closed state, the vehicle being in a locked state, the vehicle being in a normal operating mode, the vehicle battery state of charge being greater than a predefined battery charge threshold, the power rear closure feature being enabled, and an automatic rear closure control mode on the vehicle being enabled.

[0009] In some aspects, when the user does not wish to open the rear closure, the user may perform one or more actions to cause the vehicle to abort the automated rear closure opening process. For example, the user (with a key fob) may move away from the predefined zone before the first predefined duration has elapsed, or the user may unlock the vehicle to abort the automated rear closure opening process.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a vehicle that can automatically open a rear closure when a user with a key fob is likely to be in a predefined area for more than a first predefined duration. The present disclosure provides a hands-free rear closure opening feature to the user, thereby enhancing user convenience. In addition, the vehicle outputs one or more notifications before opening the rear closure, thereby providing the user with an indication that the rear closure is about to open. If the user does not want the rear closure to be opened, the user can move away from the predefined area or unlock the vehicle. Therefore, by outputting the notification, the vehicle reduces the possibility of the rear closure opening when the user does not intend or do not want to open the rear closure. In addition, the vehicle performs the automated rear closure opening process by using existing vehicle components and does not require the use of any external or new components / hardware.

[0011] These and other features of the disclosure are provided in detail herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Specific implementations are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the accompanying drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0013] Figure 1 An example environment is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0014] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example system for controlling operation of a vehicle rear closure according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0015] Figure 3 An example signal timing diagram for communications between a key fob and a vehicle body control module according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0016] Figure 4 An example zone around a vehicle according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0017] Figure 5 An example graph illustrating actuation of a vehicle notification unit in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted.

[0018] Figure 6 A flow chart depicts an example method for controlling operation of a vehicle rear closure according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown and which are not intended to be limiting.

[0020] Figure 1 An example environment 100 is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a vehicle 102, which may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as, for example, a car, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 102 may be a manually driven vehicle, and / or may be configured to operate in a partially autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuation motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc.

[0021] The vehicle 102 may include a rear enclosure 104 that may be configured to move between a closed state and an open state. When the rear enclosure 104 may be in the open state, the rear enclosure 104 may provide a user with access to a portion of the interior of the vehicle or a trunk of the vehicle. In some aspects, when a user with a vehicle access device (e.g., a key fob, a wearable device, a phone as a key (PaaK), etc.) may be located proximate to a rear portion of the vehicle, the vehicle 102 may enable automatic or hands-free opening of the rear enclosure 104, as described below. In some aspects, the vehicle access device may be any communication device with which a vehicle user may communicate with the vehicle using one or more wireless communication protocols (such as Ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), etc.) to access one or more features of the vehicle 102. Hereinafter, the vehicle access device is referred to as a key fob; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of a key fob, and any other vehicle access device may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] like Figure 1 As depicted, environment 100 may also include user 106, who may be approaching vehicle 102 toward a rear portion of the vehicle. For illustrative purposes, user 106 may be carrying a vehicle access device, such as key fob 108. Figure 1 In the exemplary aspect shown, the user's hands are pre-occupied (eg, user 106 is holding box 110 ), but the present disclosure is not limited to the user's hands being pre-occupied.

[0023] The vehicle 102 and the key fob 108 may be communicatively coupled to each other, and the vehicle 102 may be configured to determine the location of the key fob in proximity to the vehicle 102. By determining the location of the key fob in proximity to the vehicle 102, the vehicle 102 may determine whether the user 106 may have reached a proximity to the rear portion of the vehicle (specifically, the predefined zone 112 of the rear closure 104). In response to determining that the user 106 (specifically, the key fob 108) may have reached the predefined zone 112, the vehicle 102 may initiate an automated rear closure opening process.

[0024] Specifically, in response to determining that the user 106 may have entered the predefined zone 112, the vehicle 102 may activate the vehicle exterior lights and / or speakers (e.g., also referred to as the vehicle audio system) in a first predefined mode to provide the user 106 with a notification / indication that the vehicle 102 has initiated the automated rear closure opening process. In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may keep the vehicle exterior lights and / or the vehicle audio system activated in the first predefined mode for a first predefined duration (e.g., 2.2 seconds to 2.8 seconds). The user 106 may see / hear the notification output from the vehicle exterior lights and / or the vehicle audio system, and if the user 106 does not intend to open the rear closure 104, then may move away from the predefined zone 112 within the first predefined duration. In this way, the present disclosure reduces the likelihood of accidental opening of the rear closure 104 by providing the user 106 with a visual and / or audible notification indicating that the rear closure 104 may be opening.

[0025] If the user 106 intends to open the rear closure 104, the user 106 may remain motionless (or not move significantly) in the predefined area 112 for a first predefined duration. In response to determining that the user 106 has remained motionless in the predefined area 112 for the first predefined duration, the vehicle 102 may cause the vehicle exterior lights and / or the vehicle audio system to output another notification in a second predefined mode for a second duration (e.g., 1 second to 1.5 seconds). The notification in the second predefined mode may provide the user 106 with an indication that the vehicle 102 is about to open the rear closure 104. When the second duration has passed, the vehicle 102 may automatically open the rear closure 104. In this way, the vehicle 102 enables automatic opening of the rear closure 104 based on the determination that the key fob 108 (and therefore the user 106) may be close to the rear closure 104 and that the user 106 intends to open the rear closure 104. The vehicle 102 provides the user 106 with a notification before opening the rear closure 104, thereby reducing the possibility of accidental opening of the rear closure.

[0026] Although the above description describes aspects in which the vehicle 102 initiates the automated rear closure opening process when the key fob 108 reaches the predefined zone 112, in some aspects, the vehicle 102 may first determine whether one or more predefined vehicle conditions are satisfied before initiating the automated rear closure opening process. The vehicle 102 may initiate the automated rear closure opening process when the predefined vehicle conditions may be satisfied, and may not initiate the process when the one or more predefined vehicle conditions may not be satisfied. In an exemplary aspect, the predefined vehicle conditions may include, but are not limited to, the vehicle 102 being parked, the vehicle moving less than a predefined moving threshold, the vehicle run-start bus being in an off state, the rear closure 104 being in a closed state, the vehicle 102 being in a locked state, the vehicle 102 being in a normal operating mode, the vehicle battery state of charge being greater than a predefined battery charge threshold, the electric rear closure feature being enabled, and the automatic rear closure control mode on the vehicle 102 being enabled.

[0027] In response to determining that one or more predefined vehicle conditions as described above may not be satisfied, the vehicle 102 may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process even though the key fob 108 may be located in the predefined zone 112. Furthermore, even after initiating the automated rear closure opening process, the vehicle 102 may stop the automated rear closure opening process if the user 106 changes the operating conditions of the vehicle 102 (e.g., unlocks the vehicle 102). For example, when the user 106 may be located in the predefined zone 112 but may not wish to open the rear closure 104, the user 106 may unlock the vehicle 102, thereby causing the vehicle 102 to stop the automated rear closure opening process and reduce the likelihood that the rear closure 104 will open.

[0028] Combined with the following Figure 2Further details of vehicle 102 are described.

[0029] The vehicle 102 and / or user 106 implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety guidelines.

[0030] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example system 200 for controlling the operation of a vehicle rear closure (eg, rear closure 104) according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 2 When Figures 3 to 5 .

[0031] System 200 may include a vehicle 202 and a key fob 204 (or any other vehicle access device, as described above) that are communicatively coupled to each other, either directly or via a network 206. Vehicle 202 may be the same as vehicle 102, and key fob 204 may be combined with the above. Figure 1 Examples of communication protocols that may be used to facilitate communication between vehicle 202 and key fob 204 (ie, vehicle access device) may include, but are not limited to: Ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.

[0032] The vehicle 202 may include a plurality of units including, but not limited to, a vehicle computer 208, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 210, and a notification unit 212. The VCU 210 may include a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) 214 arranged to communicate with the vehicle computer 208.

[0033] In some aspects, according to the present disclosure, the vehicle computer 208 may be mounted in the vehicle engine compartment (or elsewhere in the vehicle 202 ). The vehicle computer 208 may be or include an electronic vehicle controller having one or more processors 216 and memory 218 .

[0034] The processor 216 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (eg, memory 218 and / or memory 218) configured to communicate with a corresponding computing system. Figure 2The processor 216 may utilize the memory 218 to store programs and / or store data in the form of code to perform various aspects of the present disclosure. The memory 218 may be a non-temporary computer-readable memory that stores rear closure control program code. The memory 218 may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and may include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0035] According to some aspects, the VCU 210 may share a power bus with the vehicle computer 208 and may be configured and / or programmed to coordinate data between vehicle systems, connected servers (not shown), and other vehicles (not shown) operating as part of a vehicle fleet. The VCU 210 may include or communicate with any combination of ECUs 214, such as, for example, a body control module (BCM) 220, an engine control module (ECM) 222, a transmission control module (TCM) 224, a telematics control unit (TCU) 226, a driver assistance technology (DAT) controller 228, etc. The VCU 210 may also include and / or communicate with a vehicle perception system (VPS) 230, which can connect and / or control one or more vehicle sensing systems 232. The vehicle sensing system 232 may include one or more vehicle sensors, including but not limited to radio detection and ranging (RADAR or "radar") sensors configured to use radio waves to detect and locate objects inside and outside the vehicle 202, seating area lock sensors, seating area sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR or "laser radar") sensors, door sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, wheel sensors, ambient weather sensors, interior and exterior vehicle cameras, steering wheel sensors, etc.

[0036] In some aspects, the VCU 210 may control aspects of vehicle operation and implement one or more instruction sets stored in the memory 218 .

[0037] The TCU 226 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity to wireless computing systems on and off the vehicle 202 and may include a navigation (NAV) receiver 234 for receiving and processing GPS signals, module (BLEM) 236, Wi-Fi transceiver, UWB transceiver, low frequency antenna, remote tuner module (RTM) antenna and / or other wireless transceiver / antenna (e.g., BLEM) 236 that may be configured for wireless communication (including cellular communication) between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., key fob 204), computers and modules. Figure 2 214). The TCU 226 may be configured to communicate with the ECU 214 via a bus.

[0038] ECU 214 may control various aspects of vehicle operation and communications using input from a human driver, input from an autonomous vehicle controller, and / or via wireless signal input received over a wireless connection from other connected devices such as user devices, servers (not shown), etc.

[0039] BCM 220 generally includes an integration of sensors, vehicle performance indicators, and varactors associated with vehicle systems, and may include processor-based power distribution circuits that control functions associated with the vehicle body, such as lights, windows, security devices, cameras, audio systems, speakers, wipers, door locks and access controls, and various comfort controls. BCM 220 may also operate as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to communicate with remote ECUs ( Figure 2 In some aspects, the BCM 220 may additionally control or perform functions of a passive entry passive start (PEPS) system, wherein the BCM 220 may act as a position detection unit to determine and monitor the position of the key fob 204 by using signals transmitted to and received from the key fob 204 via the TCU 226. Figure 3 and Figure 4 To describe the process of determining and monitoring the position of a key fob.

[0040] The DAT controller 228 may provide Level 1 to Level 3 automated driving and driver assistance functions, which may include, for example, active park assist, vehicle back-up assist, adaptive cruise control, and / or lane keeping, among other features. The DAT controller 228 may also provide aspects of user and environmental input that may be used for user authentication.

[0041] In some aspects, the vehicle computer 208 may be connected to an infotainment system 238. The infotainment system 238 may include a touch screen interface portion, and may include a voice recognition feature, a biometric recognition capability that may recognize a user based on facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, or other biometric recognition means. In other aspects, the infotainment system 238 may also be configured to receive user commands via the touch screen interface portion, and / or display notifications (including visual alert notifications), navigation maps, etc. on the touch screen interface portion.

[0042] As described above, the vehicle 202 may also include a notification unit 212. The notification unit 212 may include one or more components including, but not limited to, an audio system or speaker 240 and exterior lights 242.

[0043] The computing system architecture of the vehicle computer 208 and the VCU 210 may omit certain computing modules. It should be easy to understand that Figure 2 The computing environment depicted in FIG. 1 is an example of possible implementations according to the present disclosure and, therefore, should not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0044] In some aspects, the BCM 220 may perform some or all of the functions performed by the processor 216. The processor 216 may be part of the BCM 220 or may be separate from the BCM 220 (eg, Figure 2 ). Hereinafter, functions performed by the processor 216 are considered to be performed by the BCM 220.

[0045] In operation, when the user 106 desires that the vehicle 202 be moved whenever the key fob 204 may be located near the rear enclosure 104 for more than a predefined duration (as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 When the rear closure 104 is automatically opened when the rear closure 104 is opened, the user 106 can enable the power rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure control mode of the vehicle 202. The user 106 can enable the power rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure control mode by providing input on the infotainment system 238 or via a user device (not shown).

[0046] In addition to enabling the powered rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure control mode, the user 106 may also enable (or disable) a feature to receive an audible notification via the speaker 240 when the key fob 204 may be in proximity to the rear closure 104. The enabling or disabling of the audible notification feature may enable the vehicle 202 to determine whether the user 106 wishes to hear an audible notification when the vehicle 202 initiates the automated rear closure opening process or when the rear closure 104 is about to open. The user 106 may enable / disable the audible notification feature by providing input on the infotainment system 238 or via a user device.

[0047] In response to the user 106 enabling the electric rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure control mode and enabling or disabling the audible notification feature, the BCM 220 may check whether predefined vehicle conditions may be met. Figure 1 Examples of predefined vehicle conditions are described. When one or more predefined vehicle conditions may not be met, the BCM 220 may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process. On the other hand, when the predefined vehicle conditions may be met, the BCM 220 may initiate the automated rear closure opening process, such as in conjunction with Figure 1 described.

[0048] In some aspects, prior to initiating the automated rear closure opening process, the BCM 220 may "handshake" with the key fob 204 to authenticate the key fob 204 and determine the key fob's location proximate to the vehicle 202 (ie, the BCM 220 may act as a key fob location detection unit). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process of authenticating the key fob 204 and determining the location of the key fob is described below.

[0049] Figure 3 An example signal timing diagram 300 showing communication between the key fob 204 and the BCM 220 according to the present disclosure is depicted. At step 302, the BCM 220 may transmit a first low frequency (LF) signal / message to the key fob 204 via the TCU 226 over a first frequency band. In some aspects, the BCM 220 may transmit the first LF signal at a first predefined polling or frequency rate, which may be, for example, every 700 ms. The first LF signal may include a unique authentication message for the vehicle 202.

[0050] When the key fob 204 may be within a predefined range of the vehicle 202 or in proximity to the vehicle, the key fob 204 may receive the first LF signal. In response to receiving the first LF signal, the key fob 204 may transmit an authentication response signal including an authentication key or message on a second frequency band at step 304. The BCM 220 may receive the authentication response signal via the TCU 226, and at step 306, may authenticate the key fob 204 based on the authentication key (i.e., perform a "handshake"). Specifically, the BCM 220 may correlate the unique authentication message sent by the BCM 220 in the first LF signal with the authentication key received from the key fob 204 to authenticate the key fob 204.

[0051] In response to authenticating the key fob 204, the BCM 220 may transmit a second LF signal to the key fob 204 via the TCU 226 at step 308. In some aspects, the second LF signal may include a LF message having "high metricity" (HFM).

[0052] The key fob 204 may receive the second LF signal and, at step 310 , may transmit a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value in response to receiving the second LF signal. The BCM 220 may receive the RSSI value via the TCU 226 and, at step 312 , may determine the key fob location based on the RSSI value.

[0053] In some aspects, the BCM 220 may continue to transmit the second LF signal to the key fob 204 for a predefined duration (e.g., 120 seconds to 180 seconds) at different polling or frequency rates based on the distance between the key fob 204 and the vehicle 202. Similarly, the key fob 204 may continue to transmit RSSI values ​​to the BCM 220 in response to receiving the second LF signal, which may help the BCM 220 monitor / track the location of the key fob in proximity to the vehicle 202.

[0054] As an example, refer to Figure 4 , when the key fob 204 may be in zone 1 around the vehicle 202 (determined by using the RSSI value transmitted by the key fob 204), the BCM 220 may transmit the second LF signal every two seconds. In an exemplary aspect, zone 1 may be a circle with a radius of five to seven meters and centered at the vehicle 202. When the key fob 204 may be in zone 2, the BCM 220 may increase the second LF signal transmission frequency rate to transmit a signal every second. Zone 2 may be four to six meters around the predefined zone 112. When the key fob 204 may be in zone 3, the BCM 220 may further increase the second LF signal transmission frequency rate to transmit a signal every 0.7 seconds. Zone 3 may be an arc with a radius of two to three meters, with the center at the rear enclosure 104.

[0055] The predefined zone 112 may be part of zone 3, and the predefined zone 112 may be disposed at a predefined distance “D” (eg, a “zero” zone) from the rear portion of the vehicle / rear enclosure 104, such as Figure 4 The predefined zone width "W" may be equal to the vehicle width, and the predefined zone length "L" may be in the range of 0.6 m to 1 m.

[0056] The above-mentioned measurement values ​​and frequencies / polling rates are exemplary in nature and are used for illustrative purposes. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned measurement values ​​and frequencies / polling rates.

[0057] The BCM 220 may determine when the key fob 204 enters the predefined zone 112 based on the RSSI value received from the key fob 204. In response to determining that the key fob 204 may have entered the predefined zone 112, the BCM 220 may start a system timer or a BCM timer (not shown). The BCM 220 may continue to measure the duration of time that the key fob 204 remains stationary (or has minimal movement) in the predefined zone 112 via the BCM timer.

[0058] Additionally, in response to determining that the key fob 204 may have entered the predefined zone 112, the BCM 220 may activate the notification unit 212 to output a first set of notifications 502 (eg, Figure 5For example, when the BCM 220 determines that the key fob 204 may have entered the predefined zone 112, the BCM 220 may flash the exterior lights 242 and cause the speaker 240 to output an audio notification (e.g., when the user 106 wishes to receive an audible notification). In some aspects, as Figure 5 As shown, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to output the first set of notifications 502 at a predefined frequency rate (e.g., a first predefined frequency). In an exemplary aspect, the first predefined frequency may be equal to (or the same as) a polling or frequency rate at which the BCM 220 transmits the second LF signal to the key fob 204. In other words, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to output the visual and / or audible notifications in a pulse every 0.7 seconds (which is the polling or frequency rate at which the BCM 220 transmits the second LF signal to the key fob 204). Furthermore, each notification pulse of the first set of notifications 502 may have a width in the range of 200 ms to 300 ms (e.g., 250 ms).

[0059] As above combined Figure 1 As described, the first group of notifications 502 can provide the user 106 with an indication that the BCM 220 has initiated the automated rear closure opening process. In some aspects, the first group of notifications 502 can include four notifications or pulses, as shown in the chart 500. In other words, within the first predefined duration "T1", the notification unit 212 can output four notifications. If the user 106 does not wish to open the rear closure 104, the user 106 can perform one or more actions within the first predefined duration "T1" to terminate the automated rear closure opening process. For example, the user 106 can move away from the predefined area 112 before passing the first predefined duration "T1" to reset the BCM timer and terminate the automated rear closure opening process. In this case, when the user 106 moves away from the predefined area 112 before passing the first predefined duration "T1", the BCM 220 can deactivate the notification unit 212 and terminate the automated rear closure opening process.

[0060] As another example, the user 106 may unlock the vehicle 202, thereby ensuring that the predefined vehicle condition is not satisfied. As described above, when the BCM 220 determines that the predefined vehicle condition is satisfied, the BCM 220 initiates the automated rear closure opening process (i.e., activates the notification unit 212). When the user 106 unlocks the vehicle 202, the BCM 220 may determine that the predefined vehicle condition is not satisfied, and therefore may abort the automated rear closure opening process.

[0061] In additional aspects, when the key fob 204 may be moving within the predefined zone 112 before the first predefined duration “T1” has elapsed (as determined by the BCM 220 using the RSSI value transmitted by the key fob 204), the BCM 220 may reset the BCM timer, deactivate the notification unit 212, and abort the automated rear closure opening process.

[0062] On the other hand, if the user 106 has remained in the predefined zone 112 for the first predefined duration “T1” (i.e., the key fob 204 has not moved), the BCM 220 may determine that the user 106 may wish to open the rear closure 104. In response to determining that the first predefined duration “T1” has elapsed (via the BCM timer) and the key fob 204 has not moved within or from the predefined zone 112, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to output the second set of notifications 504 for a second predefined duration “T2”. In some aspects, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to output the second set of notifications 504 at a second predefined frequency. In an exemplary aspect, the second predefined frequency may be greater than the first predefined frequency. For example, the notification unit 212 may output the second set of notifications 504 in pulses every 0.4 seconds (or 400 ms). In addition, the second set of notifications 504 may include three notifications or pulses, as shown in the chart 500. Additionally, each notification pulse of the second set of notifications 504 may have a width in the range of 200 ms to 300 ms (eg, 250 ms).

[0063] The second set of notifications 504 may provide an indication to the user 106 that the BCM 220 is about to open the rear closure 104. In some aspects, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to output the second set of notifications 504 at a predefined pause duration "P" after the first predefined duration "T1". In other words, the second predefined duration "T2" begins a predefined pause duration "P" after the first predefined duration "T1". In some aspects, the predefined pause duration "P" may be in the range of 100 ms to 200 ms (e.g., 150 ms).

[0064] When the second predefined duration "T2" has passed, the BCM 220 may move the rear closure 104 from the closed state to the open state. In other words, when the notification unit 212 completes outputting the second set of notifications 504, the BCM 220 may open the rear closure 104. In this way, the present disclosure provides the user 106 with a hands-free rear closure opening feature.

[0065] Figure 6 A flow chart of an example method 600 for controlling the operation of the rear closure 104 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 6The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0066] The method 600 starts at step 602. At step 604, the method 600 may include determining, by the BCM 220, that the key fob 204 has entered the predefined zone 112. At step 606, the method 600 may include activating, by the BCM 220, the notification unit 212 to output the first set of notifications 502 for a predefined duration “T1” in response to determining that the key fob 204 has entered the predefined zone 112.

[0067] At step 608, the method 600 may include determining, by the BCM 220, a duration that the key fob 204 may be present in the predefined zone 112 or may remain stationary in the predefined zone, as described above. At step 610, the method 600 may include determining, by the BCM 220, that the duration is greater than a first predefined duration "T1". In response to determining that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration "T1", the BCM 220 may activate the notification unit 212 to output the second set of notifications 504 for a second predefined duration "T2" (after a predefined pause duration "P"), as described above.

[0068] At step 612 , the method 600 may include moving, by the BCM 220 , the rear closure 104 from the closed state to the open state when the second predefined duration “ T2 ” has elapsed.

[0069] Method 600 may end at step 614 .

[0070] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the above disclosure, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc. in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0071] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0072] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting in nature. More specifically, the word "example" used herein indicates one of several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0073] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. A computing device may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0074] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0075] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and expected that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and change.

[0076] Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary in this article, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by the skilled person described herein. Specifically, unless the claims state an explicit limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said" and the like should be interpreted as describing one or more of the indicated elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in other ways within the context when used, conditional language such as, in particular, "can", "may", "can" or "may" is generally intended to express that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element and / or step in any way.

[0077] In an aspect of the invention, activating the vehicle notification unit to output the second set of notifications includes activating the vehicle notification unit to output the second set of notifications for a third predefined duration after the first predefined duration has elapsed.

[0078] In an aspect of the invention, the method includes determining that a predefined vehicle condition is satisfied, wherein activating the vehicle notification unit to output the first set of notifications includes activating the vehicle notification unit to output the first set of notifications when the predefined vehicle condition is satisfied.

[0079] In one aspect of the present invention, the predefined vehicle conditions include at least one of the following: the vehicle is parked, the vehicle movement is less than a predefined movement threshold, the rear enclosure is in the closed state, the vehicle is in a locked state, the vehicle battery state of charge is greater than a predefined battery charge threshold, and the automatic rear enclosure control mode is enabled.

[0080] In an aspect of the present invention, the predefined area is disposed at a predefined distance away from the rear portion of the vehicle.

[0081] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: determine, based on input obtained from a vehicle detection unit, that a vehicle access device has entered a predefined area proximate to a rear portion of a vehicle; activate a vehicle notification unit to output a first set of notifications for a first predefined duration in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined area; determine a duration for which the vehicle access device has stayed in the predefined area; determine that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration; and move a vehicle rear closure from a closed state to an open state in response to the determination that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: a rear closure configured to move between a closed state and an open state; a detection unit configured to detect a position of a vehicle access device approaching the vehicle; a notification unit configured to output at least one of a visual or an audible notification; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the rear closure, the detection unit, and the notification unit, wherein the processor is configured to: determining, based on input obtained from the detection unit, that the vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone proximate a rear portion of a vehicle; activating the notification unit to output a first set of notifications for a first predefined duration in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone; determining a duration of time during which the vehicle access device is present in the predefined area; determining that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration; as well as The rear closure is moved from the closed state to the open state in response to the determination that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration. 2 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the processor activates the notification unit to output the first set of notifications at a first frequency.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: activating the notification unit to output a second set of notifications at a second frequency for a second predefined duration in response to the determination that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration; and When the second predefined duration has elapsed, the rear closure is moved from the closed state to the open state. 4 . The vehicle of claim 3 , wherein after the first predefined duration has elapsed, the processor activates the notification unit to output the second set of notifications for a third predefined duration.

5. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is further configured to: transmitting a first low frequency message to the vehicle access device; receiving an authentication message from the vehicle access device in response to transmitting the first low frequency message; authenticating the vehicle access device based on the authentication message; transmitting a second low frequency message at a third frequency to the vehicle access device in response to authenticating the vehicle access device; receiving a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value from the vehicle access device; and The location of the vehicle access device is detected based on the RSSI value. The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the first frequency is equal to the third frequency.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that a predefined vehicle condition is satisfied, and wherein when the predefined vehicle condition is satisfied, the processor activates the notification unit to output the first set of notifications.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the predefined vehicle conditions include at least one of: the vehicle is parked, the vehicle movement is less than a predefined movement threshold, the rear enclosure is in the closed state, the vehicle is in a locked state, the vehicle battery state of charge is greater than a predefined battery charge threshold, and an automatic rear enclosure control mode is enabled.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the predefined area is disposed at a predefined distance away from a rear portion of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining that the vehicle access device has moved away from the predefined zone before the first predefined duration has elapsed; and The notification unit is deactivated in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has moved away from the predefined area.

11. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to: determining that the vehicle access device has moved within the predefined area prior to the first predefined duration; and The notification unit is deactivated in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has moved within the predefined area.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the detection unit comprises a vehicle exterior light or a vehicle audio system.

13. A method for controlling operation of a rear closure of a vehicle, the method comprising: determining, by a processor based on input obtained from a vehicle detection unit, that a vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone proximate a rear portion of a vehicle; activating, by the processor, a vehicle notification unit to output a first set of notifications for a first predefined duration in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone; determining, by the processor, a duration of time during which the vehicle access device is present in the predefined zone; determining, by the processor, that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration; as well as The rear closure is moved, by the processor, from a closed state to an open state in response to a determination that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein activating the vehicle notification unit to output the first set of notifications comprises activating the vehicle notification unit to output the first set of notifications at a first frequency.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: activating the vehicle notification unit to output a second set of notifications at a second frequency for a second predefined duration in response to a determination that the duration is greater than the first predefined duration; as well as When the second predefined duration has elapsed, the rear closure is moved from the closed state to the open state.

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