Proximity-activated locking access system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Proximity-activated locking access system (10) for a motor vehicle (14) comprising the following: - a proximity sensor (16); - a projector (18); - an electrically operated shutter (20); - a sensor for detecting an authorized vehicle user within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle (14), and - a controller (26) that is designed to (a) to project an image (42, 44) onto the ground when the authorized user approaches the vehicle (14), initially projecting an image (42) of a motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) onto the ground and detecting activity adjacent to the shutter (20) after projecting the image (42, 44) onto the ground and before varying the image (42, 44), (b) to vary the image (42, 44) from the motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) to a footprint image (44) when the operation of the proximity-activated locking access system (10) is initiated to indicate that the proximity-activated locking access system (10) is ready to open the electrically operated lock (20) in response to the user stepping into the image (44) and (c) to open the electrically operated shutter (20) in response to the authorized user entering the picture (42, 44) for a predetermined period of time.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This document refers generally to the technical field of motor vehicle equipment and in particular to a proximity-activated locking access system that operates completely hands-free. BACKGROUND

[0002] This document describes a new and improved proximity-activated locking access system designed for completely hands-free operation. State-of-the-art locking access systems typically require the operator to grasp and press a button on a key fob or use body gestures to activate a particular lock. Unfortunately, these movements or gestures are usually difficult to perform when carrying a load in the hands or arms. In fact, it is not always possible to perform such movements or gestures safely while carrying a bulky, awkwardly shaped, or heavy load. The proximity-activated locking access system described in this document addresses and prevents these problems. Therefore, it is very convenient to use and increases customer satisfaction with vehicles equipped in this way.Therefore, the proximity-activated locking and access system represents a significant advancement in technology.

[0003] WO 2015 / 148611 A1 discloses a vehicle function control system arranged on an external part of the vehicle and comprising a light source that can be operated to project a variety of symbols onto a ground area on or near the vehicle. DE 10 2008 021 989 A1 discloses a device for locking and unlocking a vehicle door secured by an electronic access authorization system. DE 10 2014 101 208 A1 discloses an assembly module for a motor vehicle with an optical sensor system. DE 10 2008 025 669 A1 discloses a vehicle with a sensor for detecting the presence of a vehicle occupant. SUMMARY

[0004] A proximity-activated locking access system is provided for a motor vehicle. This proximity-activated locking access system comprises a proximity sensor, a projector, an electrically operated lock, a sensor for detecting an authorized vehicle user within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller is designed to (a) to project an image onto the ground when an authorized user approaches the vehicle, initially projecting an image of a motor vehicle manufacturer's logo onto the ground and, after projecting the image onto the ground and before varying the image, to detect activity near the shutter. (b) to vary the image from the motor vehicle manufacturer's logo to a footprint image when the operation of the proximity-activated locking access system is initiated, in order to clearly indicate to the user that the proximity-activated locking access system is ready to open the electrically operated lock in response to the user stepping into the image and (c) to open the electrically operated shutter in response to the authorized user entering the image for a predetermined period of time.

[0005] In one possible embodiment, the electrically operated lock comprises an electrically operated locking mechanism and a lock drive motor that adjusts the lock of the motor vehicle between a closed position and an open position.

[0006] In one possible embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the image to flash to indicate that the proximity-activated locking access system is ready to open the electrically operated lock in response to the user entering the image. In yet another possible embodiment, the lock is a tailgate, such as that found on a pickup truck.

[0007] In accordance with an additional aspect, a method for automatically opening a motor vehicle's lock using a proximity-activated locking access system is provided. This method can be broadly described as comprising the following steps: (a) projecting an image onto the ground near the lock using a projector, (b) varying the image by a controller to indicate activation of the proximity-activated locking access system, and (c) opening the lock by a controller in response to an authorized user entering the image for a predetermined duration.

[0008] According to the invention, the method further comprises detecting an authorized vehicle user located within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle by means of a sensor before the image is projected. Furthermore, the method can include detecting activity near the shutter by means of a sensor before the image is varied.

[0009] According to the invention, the method comprises, in response to the detection of an authorized vehicle user within the predetermined distance to the motor vehicle, an initial projection of an image of a motor vehicle manufacturer's logo near the shutter by a projector.

[0010] According to the invention, the method comprises the step of varying the image by changing it from a vehicle manufacturer's logo to a footprint image. Additionally, the method can include varying the image by flashing the image on the ground.

[0011] Furthermore, the method may include the step of changing the footprint image back to the image of the vehicle manufacturer's logo after a predetermined period of time during which an authorized user does not step into the projected footprint image. Furthermore, the method may include the control unit deactivating the sensor and projector when the vehicle is started. Finally, the method may include projecting the image onto the ground in a position that allows the shutter to be fully opened without touching an individual standing in the image.

[0012] The following description presents and illustrates various preferred embodiments of the proximity-activated locking access system and the associated operating procedure. As should be apparent, other, different embodiments of the system and the associated procedure are possible, and their various details can be modified in several obvious aspects without deviating from the system and the procedure as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be understood as exemplary and not as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0013] The attached drawings, which form part of the description, illustrate various aspects of the proximity-activated locking and access system and the associated operating procedure, and together with the description, serve to explain certain fundamental concepts of the invention. The drawings include: Fig. 1 A schematic block diagram of the proximity-activated locking access system. Fig. 2 a logic diagram describing the operation of the proximity-activated locking access system. Fig. 3a-3d sequential planar top views illustrating the operation of the proximity-activated locking access system.

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the proximity-activated locking access system, examples of which are shown in the attached drawing figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference is now made to Figures 1-3d, which clearly illustrate the proximity-activated locking access system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity-activated locking access system 10 is intended for a tailgate 12 of a pickup truck 14. However, it is understood that the proximity-activated locking access system 10 can be used for other types of locks on other types of motor vehicles, such as front doors, rear doors, tailgates, loading hatches, and the like, which is provided on all types of motor vehicles, including, for example, sedans, station wagons, crossover utility vehicles, and sport utility vehicles.

[0016] How best to Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the proximity-activated locking access system 10 includes a proximity sensor 16, such as a digital camera, for detecting activity near the lock / tailgate 12. The system 10 also includes a projector 18 for projecting an image onto the ground near the lock / tailgate 12.

[0017] As further shown, the system 10 also includes an electrically operated lock 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically operated lock 20 includes an electrically operated locking mechanism 22 and a lock / tailgate drive motor 24 for opening and closing the lock / tailgate.

[0018] The proximity-activated locking access system 10 also includes a controller 26 designed to operate the system. The controller 26 may include a data processing device, such as a dedicated microprocessor or an electronic control unit (ECU), which operates based on suitable software instructions. Such a controller 26 includes one or more processors, one or more memories, and one or more network interfaces, all of which communicate with each other via a communication bus.

[0019] As shown, the controller 26 includes a first data input 28, which is connected to the proximity sensor / camera 16 via the data line 30, and a second data input 32, which is connected to a sensor, ECU or other device 34 that provides data along the data line 36 relating to the presence of an authorized user approaching the motor vehicle 14.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit 26 is connected to the projector 18 via the control line 38. Additionally, the control unit 26 is connected to the electrically operated shutter system 20 via the control unit at 40.

[0021] Now reference is made to Fig. 2, which is a logic diagram illustrating the operation of the proximity-activated locking access system 10.

[0022] As can be seen from the diagram, the control unit 26 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to initially project an image of a motor vehicle manufacturer's logo 42 onto the ground G near the latch / tailgate 12 via the projector 18. See Fig. 3a. In particular, the controller 26 performs this action in response to receiving a data signal from the sensor / device 34 at data input 32, indicating the detection of an authorized vehicle user within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle 14. It is understood that the projected image 42 is projected onto the ground G near the latch / tailgate 12, but at a sufficient distance from it to allow enough clearance for the latch / tailgate to open fully if an individual / authorized user is standing within the projected image.

[0023] Next, the controller 26 monitors the data input 28. If and when the proximity sensor / camera 16 detects activity or movement near the lock / tailgate 12, a signal is sent along the data line 30 to the data input 28. The controller 26 is configured to vary the projected image 42 in response to receiving this activity signal, thus indicating the activation of the proximity-activated locking access system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the projected image is changed from the image of the vehicle manufacturer's logo 42, which is displayed in Fig. 3a is shown, relating to a footprint image 44, which is in Fig. The representation in 3b varies. The control unit 26 can also be configured to cause the footprint image 44 to flash in order to draw the user's attention to the image.

[0024] The footprint image 44 informs the authorized user that the proximity-activated locking access system 10 has been activated and that the user must step on image 44 where it is projected onto floor G in order to open the lock. Therefore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3c, the authorized user / individual 46 now steps forward onto the footprint image 44, which is projected onto the floor G by the projector 18, and stands within this image for a predetermined duration, such as 3 to 5 seconds. Upon receiving a data signal at input 28 from the proximity sensor / camera 16 indicating that the individual has stepped into the footprint image and remained there for the predetermined duration, the controller 26 is configured to open the gate / tailgate 12. See Figure 3c. Fig. 3d. It is understood that the latch / tailgate 12 can be fully open while the user is standing on the ground G at the point where the footprint image 44 appeared. The user can then load the item I, which was carried to the motor vehicle 14, through the open tailgate 12. It is understood that the user 46 did not have to perform any specific gestures or body movements with their hands or arms to open the latch / tailgate 12. Thus, their hands remain free to simply hold the item being carried.

[0025] Furthermore, as can be seen from considering Fig.2. The control unit 26 is also configured to change the footprint image 44 back to the image of the vehicle manufacturer's logo 42 after a predetermined period of time if an authorized user does not step into the projected footprint image, in order to provide a correct signal to initiate the opening of the lock / tailgate 12. Furthermore, the control unit 26 is configured to deactivate the proximity sensor / camera 16 and the projector 18 when the vehicle 14 is subsequently started.

[0026] In summary, the proximity-activated locking access system 10 described here offers several unique benefits and advantages. It should be noted that in this configuration, the system 10 is truly hands-free. The user does not need to use their hands to perform any movement or gesture to cause the system 10 to open the lock 12. This leaves the hands completely free to carry any object, which offers significant advantages for the user. Furthermore, the system 10 is entirely intuitive and projects the image of a footprint logo 44 onto the floor G to indicate when and where an individual needs to stand to cause the system 10 to open the lock 12 hands-free.This eliminates any hesitation or guesswork regarding when and where a user should stand to achieve the desired result, thereby improving overall customer satisfaction with the operation of System 10 and with the motor vehicle 14.

[0027] The foregoing serves illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precisely disclosed form. In light of the above teachings, obvious modifications and variations are possible. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a projected image is changed from an image of the manufacturer's logo 42 to a footprint 44 to indicate activation of the system 10 and the location where the individual 46 must stand to initiate hands-free opening of the shutter 12. It is understood that other signaling methods are possible. For example, the image may remain unchanged; it may simply flash on the ground to indicate when and where an individual must stand to initiate opening of the shutter.All these modifications and variations are within the scope of protection of the attached claims if they are interpreted according to the breadth to which they are legally and justly entitled under the rules.

Claims

[1] Proximity-activated locking access system (10) for a motor vehicle (14) comprising the following: - a proximity sensor (16); - a projector (18); - an electrically operated shutter (20); - a sensor for detecting an authorized vehicle user within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle (14), and - a controller (26) that is designed to (a) to project an image (42, 44) onto the ground when the authorized user approaches the vehicle (14), initially projecting an image (42) of a motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) onto the ground and detecting activity adjacent to the shutter (20) after projecting the image (42, 44) onto the ground and before varying the image (42, 44), (b) to vary the image (42, 44) from the motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) to a footprint image (44) when the operation of the proximity-activated locking access system (10) is initiated to indicate that the proximity-activated locking access system (10) is ready to open the electrically operated lock (20) in response to the user stepping into the image (44) and (c) to open the electrically operated shutter (20) in response to the authorized user entering the picture (42, 44) for a predetermined period of time. [2] Proximity-activated locking access system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically operated lock (20) comprises an electrically operated locking mechanism (22) and a lock / tailgate drive motor (24) for adjusting the lock (20) of the motor vehicle (14) between a closed position and an open position. [3] Proximity-activated locking access system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (26) is configured to cause the image (42, 44) to flash in order to indicate that the proximity-activated locking access system (10) is ready to open the electrically operated lock (20) in response to the user entering the image (42, 44). [4] Proximity-activated locking access system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the closure (20) is a tailgate (12). [5] Method for automatically opening a lock (20) of a motor vehicle (14) by means of a proximity-activated locking access system (10) comprising the following: - Detecting an authorized vehicle user located within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle (14) by means of a sensor prior to projecting the image (42, 44); - in response to the detection of an authorized vehicle user within the predetermined distance to the motor vehicle (14), an initial projection of an image of a motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) onto the ground near the shutter (20) by a projector (18); - Detecting activity near the shutter (20) by a sensor prior to varying the image (42, 44); - Varying the image (42, 44) by means of a control (26) to indicate activation of the proximity-activated locking access system (10), wherein varying the image (42) includes changing the image from the image of the motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) to a footprint image (44); - Opening of the shutter (20) by a control (26) in response to an authorized user entering the image (42, 44) for a predetermined period of time. [6] Method according to claim 5, comprising changing the footprint image (44) back to the image of the motor vehicle manufacturer's logo (42) after a predetermined period of time during which an authorized user does not step into the projected footprint image (44). [7] Method according to claim 6, comprising deactivating the sensor and projector by the control unit when the motor vehicle is started. [8] Method according to claim 5, wherein varying the image (42, 44) comprises flashing the image (42, 44) on the floor. [9] Method according to claim 5, comprising projecting the image (42, 44) onto the floor in a position that makes it possible to fully open the shutter (20) without touching an individual standing in the image (42, 44).

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