Method for opening an opening element of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for opening an opening element of a vehicle, said opening method comprising:-authenticating an identifier by an electronic control unit of said vehicle, characterized in that said opening method comprises:-positioning said identifier by said electronic control unit in a first proximity area around said vehicle, -if the identifier is located in the first proximity area, activating a stop invitation signal for a user of the vehicle,-detecting, by an electronic control unit, whether the identifier has been kept static in the first proximity area for a first determined period of time,-if so, activating a stop invitation signal for a user of the vehicle. Detecting, by the electronic control unit, whether the identifier enters a second neighborhood around the opening element if the identifier enters the second neighborhood, sending, by the electronic control unit, to the identifier if the identifier enters the second neighborhood, an intention confirmation signal for the user to open the opening element, and if the identifier does not enter the second neighborhood, sending, by the electronic control unit, an intention confirmation signal for the user to open the opening element. Relaying the opening intention confirmation signal via the human-machine interface by means of the identifier, detecting, by the electronic control unit, whether the identifier has kept static in the second proximity area for a second determined time period, and opening, by the electronic control unit, the opening element if so.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for opening an opening element of a vehicle, which is particularly applicable to, but not limited to, motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, methods for opening an opening element of a vehicle known to a person skilled in the art use identifiers and include:

[0003] - authentication of said identifier by an electronic control unit of said vehicle,

[0004] - positioning of said identifier by means of an electronic control unit, said positioning comprising determining the distance between said identifier and said vehicle opening element,

[0005] - a count of the number of times the current distance is less than the previous distance,

[0006] If this number is greater than a determined maximum value at a determined distance in the vicinity of the vehicle (typically less than 2 meters), the opening element is opened by the electronic control unit.

[0007] A shortcoming of this prior art is that it does not take into account the situation that the user of the vehicle carrying the identifier approaches the opening element and stops in front of the opening element without wishing to open it. In the case of the cited prior art, the opening element still opens automatically. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In this context, the present invention aims to provide a method for opening an opening element of a vehicle which makes it possible to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides a method for opening an opening element of a vehicle, the opening method comprising:

[0010] - an identifier authenticated by the electronic control unit of said vehicle,

[0011] The opening method includes:

[0012] - positioning the identifier in a first proximity around the vehicle by the electronic control unit,

[0013] - activating a stop invitation signal intended for the user of said vehicle if said identifier is located in said first proximity,

[0014] - detecting, by the electronic control unit, whether the identifier has remained stationary in the first proximity for a first determined period of time,

[0015] If so, detecting by the electronic control unit whether the identifier enters a second proximity zone surrounding the opening element,

[0016] if yes, a signal confirming the intention to open the opening element, intended for the user, is sent by the electronic control unit to the identifier if the identifier enters the second proximity zone,

[0017] - relaying said opening intention confirmation signal via said identifier via a human-machine interface,

[0018] - detecting, by the electronic control unit, whether the identifier has remained stationary in the second proximity for a second determined period of time,

[0019] If yes, the opening element is opened by the electronic control unit.

[0020] Thus, as will be seen in detail below, the opening method makes it possible, by means of a two-time spatiotemporal verification of the identifier, to take into account the user's intention to open the vehicle's opening element and to avoid automatic opening of said opening element when the user does not wish to do so.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the method for opening an opening element of a vehicle may also comprise one or more additional features selected from the following, alone or in any technically possible combination.

[0022] According to one non-limiting embodiment, activation of the stop invitation signal is performed by the vehicle.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the stop invitation signal is a welcome scene.

[0024] According to one non-limiting embodiment, activation of said stop invitation signal is performed by said identifier.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the stop invitation signal is a sound signal, a voice signal or a vibration.

[0026] According to one non-limiting embodiment, said authentication of said identifier is done via BLE communication between said identifier and said electronic control unit.

[0027] According to one non-limiting embodiment, said locating of said identifier is done via UWB communication between said identifier and said electronic control unit.

[0028] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the positioning includes trajectory tracking.

[0029] According to one non-limiting embodiment, a maximum time interval is defined between the first determined time period and the second determined time period.

[0030] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first adjacent area corresponds to a welcome scene area.

[0031] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the second adjacent area corresponds to an unlocking area of the opening element.

[0032] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the first adjacent area is larger than the second adjacent area and surrounds the second adjacent area.

[0033] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the identifier is a hands-free entry identifier of the vehicle for hands-free entry and / or starting of the vehicle.

[0034] According to one non-limiting embodiment, said opening element is motorized.

[0035] An opening system for opening an opening element of a vehicle is also provided, the opening system comprising:

[0036] -(a) an electronic control unit of the vehicle, configured to:

[0037] - authentication identifier,

[0038] - locating said identifier,

[0039] -(b) the identifier is configured as:

[0040] - authenticating itself with said electronic control unit,

[0041] in:

[0042] -(a) the electronic control unit is further configured to:

[0043] - positioning said identifier in a first proximity around said vehicle,

[0044] - activating a stop invitation signal intended for a user of the vehicle if the identifier is located in the first proximity, or transmitting activation information to the identifier in order to activate a stop invitation signal intended for a user,

[0045] - detecting whether said identifier has remained static in said first proximity for a first determined period of time,

[0046] - if yes, detecting whether said identifier enters a second proximity zone around said opening element,

[0047] - if yes, sending a confirmation signal of intention to open said opening element, intended for said user, to said identifier,

[0048] - detecting whether said identifier has remained static in said second proximity for a second determined period of time,

[0049] - if yes, opening the opening element,

[0050] -(b) the identifier is further configured to:

[0051] - receiving said opening intention confirmation signal intended for said user from said electronic control unit and relaying it via a human-machine interface,

[0052] - if the identifier is located in the first proximity, receiving the activation information from the electronic control unit and activating a stop invitation signal intended for the user of the vehicle.

[0053] Furthermore, an electronic control unit is provided, which is configured to cooperate with an identifier, the electronic control unit being integrated in a vehicle and being configured to:

[0054] - authenticating said identifier,

[0055] - locating said identifier,

[0056] in:

[0057] -(a) the electronic control unit is further configured to:

[0058] - positioning said identifier in a first proximity around said vehicle,

[0059] - activating a stop invitation signal intended for a user of the vehicle if the identifier is located in the first proximity, or transmitting activation information to the identifier in order to activate a stop invitation signal intended for a user,

[0060] - detecting whether said identifier has remained static in said first proximity for a first determined period of time,

[0061] - if yes, detecting whether said identifier enters a second proximity zone around said opening element,

[0062] if yes, sending to said identifier a confirmation signal of the intention to open said opening element, intended for said user, if said identifier enters said second proximity zone,

[0063] - detecting whether said identifier has remained static in said second proximity for a second determined period of time,

[0064] - If yes, opening the opening element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The present invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and studying the accompanying drawings:

[0066] [ Figure 1] is a flow chart of a method for opening an opening element of a vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,

[0067] [ Figure 2 ] shows a variation according to a first non-limiting embodiment Figure 1 How to open it,

[0068] [ Figure 3 ] shows a second non-limiting embodiment variant Figure 1 How to open it,

[0069] [ Figure 4 ] is a schematic diagram of a system for opening an opening element of a vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment, the system being configured to implement Figures 1 to 3 The opening method comprises an opening system comprising an identifier and an electronic control unit integrated in the vehicle,

[0070] [ Figure 5 ] shows a non-limiting embodiment according to Figure 4 the identifier and the electronic control unit and its functions,

[0071] [ Figure 6 ] shows a carrier according to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 4 A user of the identifier approaches the vehicle and enters a first proximity zone around the vehicle and then enters a second proximity zone around the opening element.

[0072] Unless otherwise stated, elements that are identical in structure or function and that appear in several figures are given the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] refer to Figures 1 to 3 A method PR1 according to the invention for opening an opening element 21 of a vehicle 2 is described.

[0074] In one non-limiting embodiment, vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. Motor vehicle is understood to mean any type of motor vehicle. This embodiment is considered a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, vehicle 2 is therefore also referred to as motor vehicle 2.

[0075] The motor vehicle 2 comprises a plurality of opening elements 21 (in Figure 4 (shown in Figure 2 ). In some non-limiting embodiments, the opening element 21 is a trunk, tailgate, or door of the motor vehicle 2. In the remainder of this specification, the trunk or tailgate is referred to as the trunk / tailgate. The door can open laterally or slide, or it can be a vertically opening side door. The opening element 21 opened by the opening method PR1 is motorized.

[0076] A first proximity zone z1 is defined around the motor vehicle 2. In addition, each opening element 21 is associated with a second proximity zone z2 surrounding the opening element 21. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first proximity zone z1 corresponds to a welcome scene area. It should be noted that the advantage of using the welcome scene as the first proximity zone z1 is that an area that already exists in the motor vehicle 2 is used. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first proximity zone z1 is located within approximately 3.5 meters around the motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second proximity zone z2 corresponds to the unlocking area of the opening element 21. It is the entrance area of the opening element 21. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second proximity zone z2 is located within approximately 2 meters around the corresponding opening element 21. It should be noted that the advantage of using the unlocking area as the second proximity zone z2 is that an area that already exists in the motor vehicle 2 is used. Therefore, the first proximity zone z1 is larger than the second proximity zone z2 and surrounds the second proximity zone z2. Figure 6 A first proximity zone z1 and a second proximity zone z2 are shown for a trunk / tailgate of a motor vehicle 2 according to one non-limiting embodiment.

[0077] The non-limiting embodiment of the trunk / tailgate is considered as a non-limiting example in the rest of the description. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, Figure 6 Only the first adjacent zone z1 and the second adjacent zone z2 corresponding to the trunk / tailgate are shown.

[0078] Open method PR1 by Figure 4 and Figure 5 The opening system Sys1 is shown as an implementation. Figure 4 As shown, the detection system Sys1 includes:

[0079] - identifier 3,

[0080] An electronic control unit 20 integrated in the motor vehicle 2 .

[0081] In one non-limiting embodiment, identifier 3 is a hands-free entry identifier for hands-free entry and / or starting of motor vehicle 2 . Thus, identifier 3 can be used for PEPS applications (PEPS stands for Passive Entry Passive Start), allowing a user u of motor vehicle 2 to unlock / lock and start motor vehicle 2 using identifier 3 without having to physically insert identifier 3 into the lock of motor vehicle 2 to unlock / lock it or into the ignition switch of motor vehicle 2 to start it. Thus, when it is near motor vehicle 2 , it can unlock opening element 21 , and when it is inside motor vehicle 2 , it can start the engine of motor vehicle 2 .

[0082] In some non-limiting embodiments, the identifier 3 is a smartphone or a key (with a button) or a connected object, such as a wireless headset or a smartwatch. The smartphone or connected object thus serves as a key for entering and / or starting the motor vehicle 2. The identifier 3 includes one or more human-machine interfaces 30. Figure 4 In FIG, only one human-machine interface 30 is shown.

[0083] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 or ECU is configured to communicate with the identifier 3 via the BLE communication protocol (BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy). To this end, it includes a BLE communication module for communicating with a BLE communication module corresponding to the identifier 3 for authentication of the identifier 3 (described below). Of course, other communication protocols may be used.

[0084] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to cooperate with:

[0085] - Figure 4 Radio frequency (RF) sensors, referenced 22 in the figure, are mounted around the vehicle 2 to locate (described below) the identifier 3. In a non-limiting embodiment, these sensors are UWB or BLE sensors (UWB stands for Ultra Wideband).

[0086] According to one non-limiting embodiment, said positioning of said identifier 3 is thus performed in the following way:

[0087] - UWB or BLE communication if the identifier 3 is a smartphone or a connected object or if the identifier 3 is a key, or

[0088] Low frequency (LF) - radio frequency (RF) communication, if said identifier 3 is a key, the key comprises a LF transmitter.

[0089] It will be noted that positioning via BLE communication is completed at approximately 50 meters or more (up to 400 meters in BLE 5.x). Positioning via UWB communication is completed at approximately 10 meters. Positioning via LF-RF communication is completed at approximately 3 meters. Of course, other communication protocols can be used.

[0090] Recall that radio frequency (RF) operates in the frequency range between 30 MHz and 300 GHz. In one non-limiting example, the RF frequency is 433 MHz. Recall that UWB operates in the frequency range between 3.2 GHz and 8.3 GHz, with a bandwidth of 500 MHz. Recall that BLE operates at 2.4 GHz. Recall that in one non-limiting example, the LF frequency is 115 kHz.

[0091] In one non-limiting embodiment, communication between the identifier 3 and the vehicle 2 is accomplished via BLE. In this case, the identifier 3 and the vehicle 2 include BLE transceivers. In one non-limiting embodiment, positioning of the identifier 3 is accomplished via UWB. In this case, the identifier 3 and the vehicle 2 include UWB sensors.

[0092] It should be noted that the UWB sensor includes a UWB communication module and a UWB antenna.The non-limiting example of a UWB sensor is employed in the remainder of the description.

[0093] Since various communication techniques employing various RF (e.g., BLE) protocols are known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described here. Since various positioning techniques employing various UWB and / or LF protocols are known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described here. In one non-limiting embodiment, positioning is performed periodically, several times per second in one non-limiting embodiment. This makes it possible to detect whether identifier 3 (and therefore its user u) has returned to neighboring area z1 or z2 (described below), for example, after having left neighboring area z1 or z2.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the opening method PR1 comprises the steps described below. As will be seen below, the identifier 3 acts as a communication relay between the motor vehicle 2 and the user u. Specifically, upon triggering by the motor vehicle 2, the identifier 3 transmits specific information to the user u to allow the automatic opening of the opening element 21. In the non-limiting example used, the opening element 21 is the trunk or tailgate of the motor vehicle 2.

[0095] exist Figure 1 In step E1, shown as F1 (20, 3, Auth), the electronic control unit 20 authenticates the identifier 3. This authorizes the connection between the identifier 3 and the motor vehicle 2. In one non-limiting embodiment, authentication is accomplished via BLE communication between the identifier 3 and the electronic control unit 20. In the case of BLE, the connection is established when the identifier 3 is within 50 meters of the motor vehicle 2. Thus, when the identifier 3 is authenticated, a connection is established between it and the electronic control unit 20, allowing it to communicate with the motor vehicle 2, and in particular with the electronic control unit 20.

[0096] exist Figure 1In step E2, shown as F2 (20, 3, z1, Tj, IN), the electronic control unit 20 locates the identifier 3 in the first proximity zone z1. In one non-limiting embodiment, the positioning of the identifier 3 is accomplished via UWB communication between the identifier 3 and the electronic control unit 20. This UWB communication enables positioning, including trajectory tracking Tj, meaning that the electronic control unit 20 knows the coordinates x, y, and z of the identifier 3 at any moment when the identifier 3 approaches the motor vehicle 2. Consequently, positioning is highly accurate. This allows, on the one hand, to detect the arrival of user u from a greater distance and thus prepare the stop invitation notification described below, and, on the other hand, to verify (using trajectory tracking (x, y)) that the subsequent stop of user u occurred within a limited, given time after the notification.

[0097] Therefore, if the identifier 3 is located in the first adjacent zone z1 (branch Y1) by the electronic control unit 20, then Figure 1 In step E3 , represented by F3 (u, s1 ) in FIG, a stop invitation signal s1 intended for user u of said motor vehicle 2 is activated.

[0098] It should be noted that positioning is repeated (branch N1 shown) as long as identifier 3 does not enter the first proximity zone z1. It will be noted that positioning is also repeated when identifier 3 is in the first proximity zone z1. This allows checking that it is still in the first proximity zone z1. In one non-limiting example, positioning is performed every 96 milliseconds.

[0099] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated first non-limiting embodiment variant, activation of the stop invitation signal s1 is performed by the motor vehicle 2 itself (step F3 ( 20 , u, s1 )). Specifically, it is the electronic control unit 20 that activates the stop invitation signal s1. In this case, in one non-limiting embodiment, the stop invitation signal s1 is a welcome scene. Thus, when a user u with their identifier 3 enters the first proximity zone z1, a light source (not shown) of the motor vehicle 2 is illuminated to execute the welcome scene.

[0100] exist Figure 3In a second non-limiting embodiment variant illustrated in FIG, activation of the stop invitation signal s1 is performed by the identifier 3 itself. In this case, the electronic control unit 20 transmits activation information inf1 to the identifier 3, indicating that it must activate the stop invitation signal s1 (illustrated step F2' (20, 3, inf1)). The identifier 3 receives this information and activates the stop activation signal s1 (illustrated step F3 (3, u, s1)). In this case, in some non-limiting embodiments, the stop invitation signal s1 is a sound signal, a voice signal, or a vibration. Thus, the identifier 3 transmits the sound signal, the voice signal, or the vibration to the user u using its human-machine interface 30.

[0101] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, if user u enters the first adjacent area z1 (position p1 shown), and upon receiving the stop invitation signal s1, user u knows that they must stop for a moment. They therefore stop. Then, they can move towards the trunk / tailgate again. Figure 6 In the example shown, the stop invitation signal s1 is a welcome scene (signal marked s1.1 in the figure) in which the two front headlights and the two rear lights light up in the non-limiting example shown, or a vibration of the identifier 3 (signal marked s1.2 in the figure).

[0102] It should be noted that both non-limiting embodiment variants can be combined. Thus, if the identifier 3 is located in the first proximity zone z1 , the welcome scene is activated and, at the same time, the user u perceives a sound signal, a voice signal or a vibration on the identifier 3 .

[0103] exist Figure 1 In step E4, shown as F4 (20, 3, z1, t1), the electronic control unit 20 detects whether the identifier 3 has remained stationary in the first proximity zone z1 for a first, determined time period t1. In one non-limiting example, t1 is between 500 milliseconds and 2 seconds. The motor vehicle 2 thus detects that the user u has stopped in the current situation. After stopping, the user u may continue to move toward the trunk / tailgate.

[0104] exist Figure 1 In step E5, shown as F5 (20, 3, z2, Tj, IN), if yes (branch Y2), the electronic control unit 20 detects whether the identifier 3 then enters the second proximity zone z2 around the opening element 21. Thus, the motor vehicle 2 detects whether the user u with the identifier 3 continues to move toward the trunk / tailgate. In a non-limiting embodiment, this detection, as a positioning operation, is performed via UWB communication, which enables positioning including trajectory tracking Tj.

[0105] It should be noted that as long as the identifier 3 has not yet entered the second proximity zone z2, the localization is repeated (branch N3 shown). In one non-limiting example, localization is performed every 96 milliseconds. It should be noted that localization is also repeated while the identifier 3 is in the second proximity zone z2. This allows verification that it is still in the second proximity zone z2. Generally, with the aid of this localization, the electronic control unit 20 always knows where the identifier 3 is located relative to the motor vehicle 2.

[0106] exist Figure 1 In step E6 shown in F6 (20, 3, s2), if yes (branch Y3), if the identifier 3 has entered the second adjacent zone z2 around the opening element 21, the electronic control unit 20 sends a confirmation signal to the identifier 3, indicating the user u's intention to open the opening element 21 s2, and the identifier 3 relays the opening intention confirmation signal s2 via its human-machine interface 30 (step E7 shown in F7 (30, u, s2)). It should be noted that the human-machine interface 30 can be the same as or different from the human-machine interface 30 that sent the stop invitation signal s1. In the non-limiting example of the accompanying drawings, it is the same. In one non-limiting embodiment, the opening intention confirmation signal s2 is a sound signal, a voice signal, or a vibration, or a combination of signals or vibrations.

[0107] Therefore, after the first stop time has been marked, if the user u enters Figure 6 If the user enters the second active zone z2 (position p2) shown, the motor vehicle 2 sends them a second signal via the identifier 3, here an opening intention confirmation signal s2, which asks them whether they confirm their intention to open the opening element 21 (here the trunk / tailgate of the motor vehicle 2). Figure 6 In the non-limiting example shown, the opening intention confirmation signal s2 is a vibration of said identifier 3 .

[0108] If no, if the identifier 3 has not entered the second proximity zone z2, the electronic control unit 20 acts as in a conventional positioning situation parameterized by the manufacturer for the PEPS application. In this case, the "no" branch is not shown.

[0109] The confirmation of the user u's intention to open the trunk / tailgate must be completed before the second stop time. It should be noted that when the user u wants to automatically open the trunk / tailgate, for example, when they want to put something in it and their hands are full, this second stop time is naturally completed ( Figure 6 position p3 as shown in the figure).

[0110] Therefore, in step E8, indicated as F8 (20, 3, z2, t2), the electronic control unit 20 checks whether the identifier 3 has remained stationary in the second proximity zone z2 for a second, determined time period t2. In one non-limiting example, t2 is between two and ten seconds. The motor vehicle 2 thus detects that the user u has stopped for the second time in this case.

[0111] If yes (branch Y4 ), this means user u has stopped again to confirm their intention to open the trunk / tailgate. If no (branch N4 ), this means the user did not stop at all. Therefore, they did not verify their intention to open the trunk / tailgate. For example, they walked around motor vehicle 2 without stopping a second time to mow the lawn. This ends the opportunity to automatically open the trunk / tailgate. Opening method PR1 stops (indicated by step E).

[0112] Therefore, in step E9, shown as F9 (20, 21, OPN), if the identifier 3 remains stationary for the second determined time period t2, the electronic control unit 20 opens the trunk / tailgate. Thus, the trunk / tailgate automatically opens, allowing the user u to open the trunk / tailgate without using their hands, especially if their arms are full.

[0113] In one non-limiting embodiment, a maximum time interval int1 is defined between the first determined time period t1 (particularly its end) and the second determined time period t2 (particularly its beginning). In one non-limiting embodiment, the maximum time interval int1 is between 10 and 20 seconds. In a non-limiting embodiment variant, the maximum time interval int1 is between 16 and 20 seconds. This corresponds to a minimum driving speed (slow walking) of approximately 8 meters to almost completely pass through the first adjacent zone z1 and reach the second adjacent zone z2, for example, when opening the trunk / tailgate from the front of the vehicle 2.

[0114] Using a maximum time interval int1 makes it possible:

[0115] - Have a smooth and robust user experience. For example, waiting 3.5 meters away from the user's vehicle for 10 seconds when the user is in a hurry is not considered very smooth.

[0116] A robust verification is performed after indicating the intention to open the opening element 21 .

[0117] The maximum time interval int1 makes it possible to eliminate interfering situations where the first intention stop is not desired (for example, if the user is mowing the lawn or stops on the way to talk, send a text message, etc.).

[0118] Therefore, the maximum time interval int1 is calibrated to:

[0119] - distinguishing as quickly as possible between temporary stops related to the automatic opening service of the opening element 21 and extended stops not related to the automatic opening service of the opening element 21,

[0120] - Allows regular users to be able to perform a second stop at their own pace.

[0121] Therefore, if the user u stops for the second time but after the time interval int1 has expired, step E9 is not executed. The trunk / tailgate is not opened.

[0122] Therefore, in step F8', shown as E8' (20, 3, int, int1), the electronic control unit 20 determines whether the time interval int between the first time the identifier 3 remained static and the second time the identifier 3 remained static is less than the maximum time interval int1. Since this step is optional, it is shown in dashed lines. If so (branch Y5), the method proceeds to step E9. If not (N5), this means, for example, that user u took too long to stop a second time. Therefore, they did not verify their intention to open the trunk / tailgate. This ends the opportunity for automatic opening of the trunk / tailgate. The opening method PR1 stops (illustrated by step E). This means that the first stop was merely a coincidence. By using the test using the time interval int, undesirable interference situations are reduced. If the user took too long to stop a second time, it means that they did not voluntarily wish to invoke the automatic opening service of the opening element 21. In a non-limiting example, this could be a situation where user u is mowing the lawn near the motor vehicle 2 and occasionally stops around it.

[0123] Thus, the opening method PR1 makes it possible to determine the user's intention to open the opening element 21 by means of two stop times marked by the user in two different proximity zones z1 and z2 over respective given time windows t1, t2. The first spatiotemporal stop defined by the first proximity zone z1 and the first time period t1 makes it possible to check the user u's intention for a first time, and the second spatiotemporal stop defined by the second proximity zone z2 and the second time period t2 makes it possible to confirm the user u's intention for a second time.

[0124] Thus, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the described opening method PR1 consists of Figure 4 and Figure 5 The system Sys1 shown is implemented for opening an opening element 21 of a vehicle 2 .

[0125] The identifier 3 of the opening system Sys1 is configured to authenticate itself with the electronic control unit 20 ( Figure 5 Function f30 (3, 20, Auth) is shown. Since various methods for authenticating the identifier 3 are known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described here.

[0126] Identifier 3 is also configured as:

[0127] - receiving the opening intention confirmation signal s2 intended for the user u from the electronic control unit 20 ( Figure 5 The function f31(3, 20, s2) shown in , and

[0128] - Relaying it via the human-machine interface 30 ( Figure 5 Function f32 ( 3 , 30 , u, s2 ) is shown. Identifier 3 thus serves as a relay for relaying instructions from motor vehicle 2 to user u.

[0129] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the identifier 3 is further configured to:

[0130] If the identifier 3 is located in the first adjacent zone z1, the activation information inf1 is received from the electronic control unit 20 ( Figure 5 The function shown is f33(3, 20, inf1), and

[0131] - activating said stop invitation signal s1 intended for user u of said vehicle 2 ( Figure 5 The function f34 (3, 30, u, s1) shown in FIG. 3 does so via the human-machine interface 30. The identifier 3 thus serves as a relay for relaying instructions from the motor vehicle 2 to the user u.

[0132] In one non-limiting embodiment, the stop invitation signal s1 is configurable by the user u. Thus, the signal may indicate whether the user wishes to receive an audible signal, a voice signal, a vibration, or a welcome screen for the first stop, or a combination of these signals, vibrations, and screens. In one non-limiting embodiment, the open intention confirmation signal s2 is configurable by the user u. Thus, the signal may indicate whether the user wishes to receive an audible signal, a voice signal, a vibration, or a combination of these signals or vibrations for the second stop.

[0133] It should be noted that the identifier 3 includes an electronic control unit (not shown) for performing the above-mentioned functions.

[0134] The electronic control unit 20 is configured to authenticate the identifier 3 ( Figure 5 The function shown is f20(20,3,Auth).

[0135] The electronic control unit 20 is further configured to locate said identifier 3 in a first proximity zone z1 around said motor vehicle 2 ( Figure 5 The function f21(20, 3, z1, Tj, IN) is shown.

[0136] Figure 6 The various positions p of a user u carrying the identifier 3 are shown approaching the motor vehicle 2. When the user u approaches the motor vehicle 2 and enters a first proximity zone z1 associated with the trunk / tailgate, they are in position p1. In the non-limiting example used, the electronic control unit 20 locates the identifier in this first proximity zone z1 by means of a UWB sensor.

[0137] When the identifier 3 is located in the first adjacent zone z1, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to:

[0138] - activating said stop invitation signal s1 intended for user u ( Figure 5 Thus, in a non-limiting example, the welcome scene is triggered, or

[0139] - Sending an activation message inf1 to said identifier 3 in order to activate said stop invitation signal s1 intended for user u ( Figure 5 The function shown in f23 (20, 3, inf1)).

[0140] The electronic control unit 20 is further configured to detect whether said identifier 3 remains stationary in said first proximity zone z1 for a first determined time period t1 ( Figure 5 The function f24(20, 3, z1, t1) shown in Figure 2 is used to determine if the identifier 3 is already static in its location (here p1).

[0141] If yes, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to detect whether said identifier 3 enters a second proximity zone z2 ( Figure 5 The function f25 (20, 3, z2, Tj, IN) shown in FIG is thus executed after the identifier 3 has remained static in the first adjacent area z1 for a first determined time period t1. Figure 6 In FIG, when the identifier 3 enters the second adjacent zone z2, it is at position p2.

[0142] If yes, if the identifier 3 enters the second proximity zone z2, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to send to said identifier 3 a signal of intention confirmation (s2) intended for said user u to open said opening element 21. Figure 5 The function shown in f26(20, 3, s2)).

[0143] After having entered the second adjacent zone z2, the user can move forward to the trunk / tailgate and park in front of it. Figure 6 Position p3 in .

[0144] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to: when the identifier 3 is in the second adjacent zone z2, detect whether the identifier 3 remains static in the second adjacent zone z2 for a second determined time period t2 ( Figure 5 The function f27(20, 3, z2, t2) shown in Figure 2 is used to check if the identifier 3 remains static at its location (here p3).

[0145] Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to determine whether a time interval int between a first time during which the identifier 3 remains static and a second time during which the identifier 3 remains static is less than a maximum time interval int1 ( Figure 5 The function f28'(20,3,int,int1)) shown in

[0146] Finally, if this is the case, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to open said opening element 21 ( Figure 5 The function shown is f29(20,21,OPN)).

[0147] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to unlock the opening element 21 before opening the opening element 21 if the opening element 21 has not been previously unlocked. Figure 5 The function shown is f28(20,21,UNLCK).

[0148] Of course, the description of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and fields. Therefore, the trunk / tailgate is considered as a non-limiting example of the opening element 21. However, in another non-limiting embodiment, the opening element 21 may also be a motorized side door that automatically opens to allow side access to the motor vehicle 2. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the user u stops for the first time, the identifier 3 has remained static for a first determined time period t1, and the electronic control unit 20 may be further configured to send an information signal intended for the user u (directly or via the identifier 3) to indicate to them that the motor vehicle 2 has understood that they have stopped and to open the opening element 21.

[0149] The described invention therefore has, inter alia, the following advantages:

[0150] - The invention allows the opening element 21 to open automatically without the need for manual intervention of the user u to open the opening element 21, and this in a reliable manner; the user only needs to mark the first stop time, then naturally continue to walk to the opening element 21 in question, and naturally stop in front of it and wait for it to open automatically.

[0151] the invention makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the opening element 21 opens automatically when a user u with his identifier 3 approaches the opening element 21 and stops in front of it without the user u intending to open it,

[0152] - the invention makes it possible to detect the intention of a user u to open the opening element 21 of the vehicle 2 and to confirm it,

[0153] - The invention makes it possible to avoid equipping the vehicle 2 with a foot motion sensor, also called a "kick sensor", which is very sensitive to the slightest movement and can detect interfering movements, such as a cat passing by, which causes an opening element 21 such as a trunk or a tailgate to open unintentionally; therefore, thanks to the solution of the invention, the costs of the vehicle 2 are reduced since it does not have such a motion sensor.

[0154] - The present invention is easy to implement.

Claims

1. A method (PR1) for opening an opening element (21) of a vehicle (2), the opening method (PR1) comprising: - authentication of the identifier (3) by the electronic control unit (20) of said vehicle (2), Wherein, the opening method (PR1) comprises: - positioning the identifier (3) in a first proximity zone (z1) around the vehicle (2) by the electronic control unit (20), - activating a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for the user (u) of the vehicle (2) if the identifier (3) is located in the first proximity zone (z1), - detecting, by the electronic control unit (20), whether the identifier (3) has remained stationary in the first proximity zone (z1) for a first determined period of time (t1), If so, the electronic control unit (20) detects whether the identifier (3) enters a second proximity zone (z2) around the opening element (21), - if yes, if the identifier (3) enters the second proximity zone (z2), a confirmation signal of the intention to open (s2) the opening element (21) is sent by the electronic control unit (20) to the identifier (3), intended for the user (u), - relaying of said opening intention confirmation signal (s2) by said identifier (3) via a human-machine interface (30), - detecting, by the electronic control unit (20), whether the identifier (3) has remained stationary in the second proximity zone (z2) for a second determined time period (t2), If yes, the opening element (21) is opened by the electronic control unit (20).

2. The opening method (PR1) according to claim 1, wherein The activation of the stop invitation signal (s1) is performed by the vehicle (2).

3. The opening method (PR1) according to claim 2, wherein: The stop invitation signal (s1) is a welcome scene.

4. The opening method (PR1) according to claim 1, wherein The activation of the stop invitation signal (s1) is performed by the identifier (3).

5. The opening method (PR1) according to claim 4, wherein The stop invitation signal (s1) is a sound signal, a voice signal or a vibration.

6. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The authentication of the identifier (3) is accomplished via BLE communication between the identifier (3) and the electronic control unit (20).

7. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The positioning of the identifier (3) is accomplished via UWB communication between the identifier (3) and the electronic control unit (20).

8. The opening method (PR1) according to claim 7, wherein The positioning includes trajectory tracking (Tj).

9. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A maximum time interval (int1) is defined between the first determined time period (t1) and the second determined time period (t2).

10. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first adjacent area (z1) corresponds to a welcome scene area.

11. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second adjacent area (z2) corresponds to an unlocking area of the opening element (21).

12. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first adjacent area (z1) is larger than the second adjacent area (z2) and surrounds the second adjacent area (z2).

13. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The identifier (3) is a hands-free entry identifier for the vehicle (2) and is used for hands-free entry and / or starting the vehicle (2).

14. An opening system (Sys1) for opening an opening element (21) of a vehicle (2), the opening system (Sys1) comprising: - (a) an electronic control unit (20) of the vehicle (2), the electronic control unit being configured to: - Authentication Identifier (3), - locate said identifier (3), -(b) said identifier (3) is configured as: - authenticate itself with said electronic control unit (20), in: - (a) the electronic control unit (20) is further configured to: - positioning said identifier (3) in a first proximity zone (z1) around said vehicle (2), - activating a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for a user (u) of the vehicle (2) or transmitting activation information (inf1) to the identifier (3) to activate a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for the user (u), if the identifier (3) is located in the first proximity zone (z1), - detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static in said first proximity (z1) for a first determined period of time (t1), - if so, detecting whether the identifier (3) enters a second proximity zone (z2) around the opening element (21), - if yes, sending to said identifier (3) a confirmation signal of the intention to open (s2) said opening element (21) intended for said user (u), - detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static in said second proximity (z2) for a second determined period of time (t2), - if yes, opening the opening element (21), -(b) said identifier (3) is further configured to: - receiving the opening intention confirmation signal (s2) intended for the user (u) from the electronic control unit (20) and relaying the opening intention confirmation signal (s2) via a human-machine interface (30), - if the identifier (3) is located in the first proximity zone (z1), receiving the activation information (inf1) from the electronic control unit (20) and activating a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for the user (u) of the vehicle (2).

15. An electronic control unit (20) configured to cooperate with an identifier (3), the electronic control unit (20) being integrated in a vehicle (2) and configured to: - authenticating said identifier (3), - locate said identifier (3), in: - (a) the electronic control unit (20) is further configured to: - positioning said identifier (3) in a first proximity zone (z1) around said vehicle (2), - activating a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for a user (u) of the vehicle (2) or transmitting activation information (inf1) to the identifier (3) to activate a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for the user (u), if the identifier (3) is located in the first proximity zone (z1), - detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static in said first proximity (z1) for a first determined period of time (t1), - if so, detecting whether the identifier (3) enters a second proximity zone (z2) around the opening element (21), - if yes, if the identifier (3) enters the second proximity zone (z2), sending to the identifier (3) a confirmation signal of the intention to open (s2) the opening element (21) intended for the user (u), - detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static in said second proximity (z2) for a second determined period of time (t2), - If yes, the opening element (21) is opened.

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