SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE REAR LOCK

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed that includes a rear lock, a detection unit, and a notification unit. The rear lock can move between a closed and an open state. The detection unit can detect the position of a vehicle access device near the vehicle. The notification unit can issue visual and / or audible notifications. The vehicle can further include a processor that, based on input from the detection unit, can determine that the vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone near a section of the vehicle's rear. The processor can activate the notification unit to issue notifications for a predefined duration in response to the determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone.The processor can also determine a time period during which the vehicle access device remains in the predefined zone. The processor can cause the rear lock to open if this time period exceeds the predefined time period.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

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

[0002] Many modern vehicles allow hands-free opening of rear tailgates. For example, a user can cause a tailgate to open automatically based on a predefined gesture, such as waving their hands. In such vehicles, the user may not need to manually open the tailgate.

[0003] While hands-free rear closure opening can be beneficial to the user, especially when the user's hands may already be occupied (e.g., carrying one or more objects), there may be cases where the vehicle's hands-free rear closure opening feature may not activate. For example, if the user performs an incorrect gesture or the vehicle is unable to correctly read the gesture, the vehicle feature may not activate. This may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0004] Therefore, a system is desired that can switch the rear shutter in the opening direction when the user intends to open the rear shutter. SUMMARY

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

[0006] Additionally, the vehicle may monitor a period of time during which the remote key remains motionless (or with minimal movement) within the predefined zone. In response to determining that the remote key has remained within the predefined zone for the first predefined period of time, the vehicle may issue a different set of notifications via the vehicle's exterior light(s) and / or speaker(s). The vehicle may issue the different set of notifications for a second predefined period of time and in a second pattern (which may be different from the first pattern). The different set of notifications may provide the user with an indication that the vehicle is about to open the rear closure. The vehicle may automatically open the rear closure when the second predefined period of time has elapsed.

[0007] In some aspects, the vehicle may issue the other set of notifications a predefined pause period after the first predefined period has elapsed. In further aspects, the vehicle may first check whether a plurality of predefined vehicle conditions are met before initiating the automated rear closure opening process. The vehicle may initiate the automated rear closure opening process if the plurality of predefined vehicle conditions are met, and may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process if one or more predefined vehicle conditions are not met.

[0008] In an example aspect, the predefined vehicle conditions may include, but are not limited to: the vehicle is parked, vehicle movement is less than a predefined movement threshold, a vehicle ignition on no engine start bus is in a off state, the rear closure is in the closed state, the vehicle is in a locked state, the vehicle is in a normal operating mode, a vehicle battery state of charge is greater than a predefined battery level threshold, an electric rear closure feature is enabled, and an automatic rear closure control mode on the vehicle is enabled.

[0009] In some aspects, if the user does not want the rear closure to open, the user may perform one or more actions to cause the vehicle to abort the automated rear closure opening process. For example, the user (who has the remote key fob) may move away from the predefined zone before the first predefined time period 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 the rear closure when the user, who has the remote key, is located in the predefined zone for potentially longer than the first predefined period of time. The present disclosure provides the user with a hands-free rear closure opening feature, thereby improving user convenience. Further, the vehicle issues one or more notifications before opening the rear closure, thereby providing the user with indications that the rear closure is about to open. If the user does not want the rear closure to open, the user can move away from the predefined zone or unlock the vehicle. Therefore, by issuing the notifications, the vehicle reduces the possibility of the rear closure opening when the user does not intend or desire the rear closure to open.Furthermore, the vehicle performs the automated rear closure opening process using existing vehicle components and does not require the use of any external or new components / hardware.

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

[0012] The detailed description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings may be used for different embodiments, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the disclosure, the singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system for controlling operation of a vehicle rear closure according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary signal timing diagram of communication between a remote key and a body control module of the vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 illustrates example zones around a vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary graph illustrating operation of a vehicle notification unit in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling operation of a vehicle rear closure according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The disclosure is described in more detail below in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown and are not intended to be limiting.

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrates an example environment 100 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 a car, a utility 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 configured to operate in a partially autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated electric motors, a hybrid system, etc.

[0015] The vehicle 102 may include a rear closure 104 that may be configured to move between a closed state and an open state. The rear closure 104 may provide a user with access to a vehicle interior or vehicle trunk when the rear closure 104 is in the open state. In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may enable automatic or hands-free opening of the rear closure 104 when a user having a vehicle access device, such as a remote key fob, a wearable device, a phone as a key (PaaK), etc., is at a position proximate a vehicle rear portion, as described below.In some aspects, the vehicle access device may be any communication device that allows a vehicle user to access one or more features of the vehicle 102 using one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth. ® , BLE ® , ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, near-field communications (NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and / or the like. Hereinafter, the vehicle access device is referred to as a remote key; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of a remote key, and any other vehicle access device may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] As in Fig. 1, the environment 100 may further include a user 106 who may approach the vehicle 102 toward the vehicle rear portion. For illustrative purposes, the user 106 may be carrying a vehicle access device, such as a remote key fob 108. In the exemplary aspect shown in Fig. 1, the user's hands are already occupied (e.g., the user 106 is carrying a box 110), although the present disclosure is not limited to the user's hands already being occupied.

[0017] The vehicle 102 and the remote key fob 108 may be communicatively coupled, and the vehicle 102 may be configured to determine a location of the remote key fob in the vicinity of the vehicle 102. By determining the location of the remote key fob in the vicinity of the vehicle 102, the vehicle 102 may determine whether the user 106 may have reached a proximity of the vehicle's rear portion (specifically, a predefined zone 112 proximate the rear closure 104). In response to determining that the user 106 (specifically, the remote key fob 108) may have reached the predefined zone 112, the vehicle 102 may initiate an automated rear closure opening process.

[0018] Specifically, in response to determining that the user 106 may have entered the predefined zone 112, the vehicle 102 may turn on the vehicle's exterior light(s) and / or speaker(s) (e.g., also referred to as the vehicle audio system) in a first predefined pattern 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 cause the vehicle's exterior lights and / or the vehicle audio system to remain turned on for a first predefined period of time (e.g., 2.2-2.8 seconds) in the first predefined pattern.The user 106 may see / hear the notification output from the vehicle's exterior lights and / or the vehicle audio system and may move away from the predefined zone 112 within the first predefined time period if the user 106 does not intend the rear closure 104 to open. In this way, the present disclosure reduces the possibility of inadvertent opening of the rear closure 104 by providing visual and / or audible notifications to the user 106 indicating that the rear closure 104 may be opening.

[0019] If the user 106 intends the rear closure 104 to open, the user 106 may remain motionless (or without substantial movement) within the predefined zone 112 for the first predefined period of time. In response to determining that the user 106 has remained motionless within the predefined zone 112 for the first predefined period of time, the vehicle 102 may cause the vehicle exterior lights and / or the vehicle audio system to emit another notification in a second predefined pattern for a second period of time (e.g., 1 to 1.5 seconds). The notification in the second predefined pattern may provide the user 106 with an indication that the vehicle 102 is about to open the rear closure 104. The vehicle 102 may automatically open the rear closure 104 when the second period of time has elapsed.In this way, the vehicle 102 enables the automatic opening of the rear closure 104 based on a determination that the remote key 108 (and thus the user 106) may be in proximity to the rear closure 104 and the user 106 intends the rear closure 104 to open. The vehicle 102 provides notifications to the user 106 before the rear closure 104 is opened, thereby reducing the possibility of inadvertent opening of the rear closure.

[0020] Although the above description describes an aspect in which the vehicle 102 initiates the automated rear closure opening process when the remote key 108 reaches the predefined zone 112, in some aspects, the vehicle 102 may first determine whether one or more predefined vehicle conditions are met before initiating the automated rear closure opening process. The vehicle 102 may initiate the automated rear closure opening process if the predefined vehicle conditions are met, and may not initiate the process if one or more predefined vehicle conditions are not met.In one example aspect, the predefined vehicle conditions may include, among other things: the vehicle 102 is parked, vehicle movement is less than a predefined movement threshold, a vehicle ignition on no engine start bus is in a disabled state, the rear closure 104 is in the closed state, the vehicle 102 is in a locked state, the vehicle 102 is in a normal operating mode, a vehicle battery state of charge is greater than a predefined battery level threshold, an electric rear closure feature is enabled, and an automatic rear closure control mode on the vehicle 102 is enabled.

[0021] In response to determining that one or more predefined vehicle conditions, as described above, may not be met, the vehicle 102 may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process, even if the remote key 108 may be located within 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 an operating condition of the vehicle 102 (e.g., unlocks the vehicle 102).For example, if the user 106 may be located in the predefined zone 112 but may not want the rear closure 104 to open, the user 106 may unlock the vehicle 102, causing the vehicle 102 to stop the automated rear closure opening process and reducing the possibility of the rear closure 104 opening.

[0022] Further details on the vehicle 102 are given below in connection with Fig. 2 described.

[0023] The vehicle 102 and / or the user 106 implements and / or performs operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the user manual and safety guidelines.

[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system 200 for controlling operation of a vehicle rear closure (e.g., rear closure 104) according to the present disclosure. During the description of Fig. 2 can be Fig. 3-5 are referred to.

[0025] The system 200 may include a vehicle 202 and a remote key 204 (or any other vehicle access device as described above) communicatively coupled to each other directly or via networks 206. The vehicle 202 may be the same as the vehicle 102, and the remote key 204 may be the same as the remote key 108, as described above in connection with Fig. 1. Examples of the communication protocols that may be used to facilitate communication between the vehicle 202 and the remote key 204 (i.e., the vehicle access device) may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth ® , BLE ®, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, Zigbee ® , near field communication (NFC) and / or the like.

[0026] The vehicle 202 may include a variety of units, including, but not limited to, an automotive 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 in communication with the automotive computer 208.

[0027] In some aspects, the automotive computer 208 according to the disclosure may be installed in an engine compartment of the vehicle (or elsewhere within the vehicle 202). The automotive computer 208 may be or include an electronic vehicle controller having one or more processors 216 and memory 218.

[0028] The processor(s) 216 may be arranged in communication with one or more storage devices arranged in communication with the respective computing systems (e.g., the memory 218 and / or one or more external databases located in Fig. 2 are not shown). The processor(s) 216 may utilize the memory 218 to store programs in code and / or store data for performing aspects according to the disclosure. The memory 218 may be a non-transitory computer-readable memory for storing rear closure control program code. The memory 218 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.) and one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0029] In some aspects, the VCU 210 may share a power bus with the automotive 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 the ECUs 214, such as 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 technologies (DAT) controller 228, etc.The VCU 210 may further include and / or communicate with a vehicle perception system (VPS) 230 that has connectivity to and / or controls one or more vehicle sensor systems 232. The vehicle sensor system 232 may include one or more vehicle sensors, including, but not limited to, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor configured to detect and locate objects inside and outside the vehicle 202 using radio waves, seat belt buckle sensors, seat area sensors, a light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, door sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, wheel sensors, ambient weather sensors, interior and exterior vehicle cameras, steering wheel sensors, etc.

[0030] In some aspects, the VCU 210 may control vehicle operating aspects and implement one or more sets of instructions stored on the memory 218.

[0031] The TCU 226 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity with wireless computing systems inside and outside the vehicle 202, and may include a navigation receiver (NAV receiver) 234 for receiving and processing a GPS signal, a BLE ® -Module (BLEM) 236, a WiFi transceiver, a UWB transceiver, low frequency antennas, antennas of a remote tuner module (RTM) and / or other wireless transceivers / antennas (in Fig. 2 not shown) that may be configurable for wireless communication (including cellular communication) between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., the remote key 204), computers, and modules. The TCU 226 may be arranged in communication with the ECUs 214 via a bus.

[0032] The ECUs 214 may control aspects of vehicle operation and communication using inputs from human drivers, inputs from an autonomous vehicle controller, and / or via wireless signal inputs received over the wireless connection(s) from other connected devices, such as, but not limited to, user devices and servers (not shown).

[0033] The BCM 220 generally includes an integration of sensors, vehicle performance indicators, and variable throttles associated with the vehicle systems, and may include processor-based power distribution circuits that can control functions associated with the vehicle body, such as lights, windows, security, camera(s), audio system(s), speakers, windshield wipers, door locks and access control, and various convenience controls. The BCM 220 can also operate as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to communicate with remote ECUs (in Fig. 2 not shown). In some aspects, the BCM 220 may additionally control or perform functions of a Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) system, where the BCM 220 may act as a location detection unit to determine and monitor a location of the remote key 204 using signals transmitted to and received from the remote key 204 via the TCU 226. The process of determining and monitoring the remote key location is described below in connection with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described.

[0034] The DAT controller 228 may provide Level 1 to Level 3 automated driving and driver assistance functionality, which may include, for example, active parking assistance, trailer backup assistance, adaptive cruise control, and / or lane keeping, among other features. The DAT controller 228 may also provide aspects of user and environmental input usable for user authentication.

[0035] In some aspects, the automotive computer 208 may connect to an infotainment system 238. The infotainment system 238 may include a touchscreen interface portion and may include voice recognition features, biometric identification capabilities that may identify users based on facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint identification, or other biological identification means. In other aspects, the infotainment system 238 may be further configured to receive user instructions via the touchscreen interface portion and / or display notifications (including visual alert notifications), navigation maps, etc., on the touchscreen interface portion.

[0036] The vehicle 202 may further include the notification unit 212, as described above. The notification unit 212 may include one or more components, including an audio system or speaker 240 and exterior lights 242.

[0037] Certain computing modules may be omitted from the computing system architecture of the automotive computer 208 and the VCU 210. It is readily understood that the Fig. 2 is an example of a possible implementation according to the present disclosure and thus should not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0038] 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 (as in Fig. 2). Hereinafter, the functions performed by processor 216 are considered to be performed by BCM 220.

[0039] In operation, the user 106 may activate the electric rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure mode of the vehicle 202 when the user 106 desires the vehicle 202 to automatically open the rear closure 104 when the remote key 204 is in proximity to the rear closure 104 for potentially longer than a predefined period of time (as described above in connection with Fig. 1). The user 106 can activate the electric rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure control mode by providing inputs to the infotainment system 238 or via a user device (not shown).

[0040] In addition to enabling the power tailgate feature and the automatic tailgate control mode, the user 106 may enable (or disable) a feature for receiving audible notifications via the speaker 240 when the remote key 204 may be in proximity to the tailgate 104. Enabling or disabling the audible notification feature may allow the vehicle 202 to determine whether or not the user 106 wishes to hear audible notifications when the vehicle 202 initiates the automated tailgate opening process or when the tailgate 104 is about to open. The user 106 may enable / disable the audible notification feature by providing input to the infotainment system 238 or via the user device.

[0041] In response to the user 106 activating the electric rear closure feature and the automatic rear closure control mode, and activating or deactivating the audible notification feature, the BCM 220 may check whether the predefined vehicle conditions are met. Examples of the predefined vehicle conditions have already been discussed above in connection with Fig. 1. The BCM 220 may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process if one or more predefined vehicle conditions are not met. On the other hand, the BCM 220 may not initiate the automated rear closure opening process if the predefined vehicle conditions are met, which in conjunction with Fig. 1 is described.

[0042] In some aspects, prior to initiating the automated rear lock release process, the BCM 220 may perform a "handshake" with the remote key 204 to authenticate the remote key 204 and determine the remote key location in the vicinity of the vehicle 202 (i.e., the BCM 220 may function as a remote key location detection unit). The process of authenticating the remote key 204 and determining the remote key location is described below in connection with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described.

[0043] Fig. 3 depicts an example signal timing diagram 300 illustrating communication between the remote key 204 and the BCM 220 according to the present disclosure. At step 302, the BCM 220 may transmit, via the TCU 226, a first low frequency signal (LF signal) / message to the remote key 204 on 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.

[0044] Under certain circumstances, when the remote key 204 is within a predefined range of or near the vehicle 202, the remote key 204 may receive the first LF signal. In response to receiving the first LF signal, the remote key 204 may transmit an authentication response signal including an authentication key or an authentication message at step 304 on a second frequency band. The BCM 220, via the TCU 226, may receive the authentication response signal and may authenticate the remote key 204 (i.e., perform a "handshake") at step 306 based on the authentication key. In particular, 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 remote key 204 to authenticate the remote key 204.

[0045] In response to authenticating the remote key 204, the BCM 220 may transmit a second LF signal to the remote key 204 via the TCU 226 at step 308. In some aspects, the second LF signal may include a "high for measurement" (HFM) LF message.

[0046] The remote key 204 may receive the second LF signal and may transmit Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values ​​in response to receiving the second LF signal at step 310. The BCM 220 may receive the RSSI values ​​via the TCU 226 at step 312 and may determine the remote key location based on the RSSI values.

[0047] In some aspects, the BCM 220 may continue to transmit the second LF signals to the remote key 204 for a predefined period of time (e.g., 120-180 seconds) at different polling or frequency rates based on a distance between the remote key 204 and the vehicle 202. Likewise, in response to receiving the second LF signals, the remote key 204 may continue to transmit RSSI values ​​to the BCM 220, which may assist the BCM 220 in monitoring / tracking the remote key location in the vicinity of the vehicle 202.

[0048] As an example, the BCM 220 may be configured with reference to Fig. 4, the second LF signals may be transmitted every two seconds when the remote key 204 may be in Zone 1 around the vehicle 202 (determined using the RSSI values ​​transmitted by the remote key 204). In an example aspect, Zone 1 may be a circle with a radius of five to seven meters and a center point at the vehicle 202. The BCM 220 may increase the transmission frequency rate of the second LF signal to transmit the signal every second when the remote key 204 may be in Zone 2. Zone 2 may be four to six meters around the predefined zone 112. The BCM 220 may further increase the second LF signal transmission frequency rate to transmit the signal every 0.7 seconds when the remote key 204 may be in Zone 3. Zone 3 may be an arc with a radius of two to three meters and a center point at the rear closure 104.

[0049] The predefined zone 112 may be a part of zone 3 and the predefined zone 112 may be located at a predefined distance “D” (e.g., a “zero” zone) from the rear portion of the vehicle / rear closure 104, as shown in Fig. 4. A predefined zone width “W” may be equivalent to the vehicle width and a predefined zone length “L” may be in a range of 0.6 to 1 meter(s).

[0050] The measurements and frequency / polling rates described above are exemplary in nature and are for illustrative purposes. The present disclosure is not limited to the measurements and frequency / polling rates described above.

[0051] The BCM 220 may determine when the remote key 204 enters the predefined zone 112 based on the RSSI values ​​received from the remote key 204. In response to determining that the remote key 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 further measure, via the BCM timer, a period of time during which the remote key 204 remains motionless (or with minimal movement) within the predefined zone 112.

[0052] Additionally, in response to determining that the remote key 204 may have entered the predefined zone 112, the BCM 220 may enable the notification unit 212 to send a first set of notifications 502 (as shown in the graph 500 of Fig. 5) for a first predefined period of time "T1". For example, the BCM 220 may cause the exterior lights 242 to flash and the speaker 240 to emit audio notifications (e.g., if the user 106 wishes to receive audible notifications) when the BCM 220 determines that the remote key 204 may have entered the predefined zone 112. In some aspects, the BCM 220 may, as shown in Fig. 5, 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 one example aspect, the first predefined frequency may be equivalent to (or equal to) the polling or frequency rate at which the BCM 220 transmits the second LF signals to the remote key 204. Stated another way, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to output visual and / or audible notifications in pulses every 0.7 seconds, which is the polling or frequency rate at which the BCM 220 transmits the second LF signals to the remote key 204. Further, each notification pulse of the first set of notifications 502 may have a width in a range of 200-300 ms (e.g., 250 ms).

[0053] As above in connection with Fig. 1, the first set of notifications 502 may provide the user 106 with an indication that the BCM 220 has initiated the automated rear closure opening process. In some aspects, the first set of notifications 502 may include four notifications or pulses, as shown in the graph 500. In other words, the notification unit 212 may issue four notifications within the first predefined time period "T1." If the user 106 does not want the rear closure 104 to open, the user 106 may perform one or more actions within the predefined time period "T1" to abort the automated rear closure opening process. For example, the user 106 may move away from the predefined zone 112 before the first predefined time period "T1" has elapsed to reset the BCM timer and abort the automated rear closure opening process.In this case, the BCM 220 may deactivate the notification unit 212 and abort the automated rear closure opening process if the user 106 moves away from the predefined zone 112 before the first predefined time period “T1” has elapsed.

[0054] As another example, the user 106 may unlock the vehicle 202, thereby ensuring that the predefined vehicle conditions are not met. As described above, the BCM 220 initiates the automated rear closure opening process (i.e., it activates the notification unit 212) when the BCM 220 determines that the predefined vehicle conditions are met. If the user 106 unlocks the vehicle 202, the BCM 220 may determine that the predefined vehicle conditions are not met and may thus abort the automated rear closure opening process.

[0055] In additional aspects, the BCM 220 may reset the BCM timer, deactivate the notification unit 212, and abort the automated rear closure opening process if the remote key 204 moves within the predefined zone 112 (as determined by the BCM 220 using the RSSI values ​​transmitted by the remote key 204) before the first predefined time period "T1" has elapsed.

[0056] On the other hand, if the user 106 remains within the predefined zone 112 (i.e., the remote key 204 does not move) for the first predefined time period "T1," the BCM 220 may determine that the user 106 may desire the rear closure 104 to open. In response to determining (via the BCM timer) that the first predefined time period "T1" has elapsed and the remote key 204 has not moved within or out of the predefined zone 112, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to issue a second set of notifications 504 for a second predefined time period "T2." In some aspects, the BCM 220 may cause the notification unit 212 to issue the second set of notifications 504 at a second predefined frequency. In an example aspect, the second predefined frequency may be greater than the first predefined frequency.For example, notification unit 212 may issue the second set of notifications 504 in pulses every 0.4 seconds (or 400 ms). Further, the second set of notifications 504 may include three notifications or pulses, as shown in graph 500. Furthermore, each notification pulse of the second set of notifications 504 may have a width in the range of 200-300 ms (e.g., 250 ms).

[0057] The second set of notifications 504 may provide the user 106 with an indication 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 issue the second set of notifications 504 a predefined pause period "P" after the first predefined period "T1" has elapsed. In other words, the second predefined period "T2" begins a predefined pause period "P" after the first predefined period "T1" has elapsed. In some aspects, the predefined pause period "P" may be in a range of 100-200 ms (e.g., 150 ms).

[0058] The BCM 220 may cause the rear closure 104 to move from the closed state to the open state when the second predefined time period "T2" has elapsed. In other words, the BCM 220 may cause the rear closure 104 to open when the notification unit 212 has finished issuing the second set of notifications 504. In this way, the present disclosure provides the user 106 with a hands-free rear closure opening feature.

[0059] Fig. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method 600 for controlling operation of the rear closure 104 according to the present disclosure. Fig.6 may be described with continued reference to previous figures. The following process is exemplary and not limited to the steps described below. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include these steps in an order that differs from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0060] The method 600 begins at step 602. At step 604, the method 600 may include determining, by the BCM 220, that the remote key 204 has entered the predefined zone 112. At step 606, the method 600 may include, by the BCM 220, enabling the notification unit 212 to issue the first set of notifications 505 for the first predefined time period "T1" in response to a determination that the key fob 204 has entered the predefined zone 112.

[0061] At step 608, the method 600 may include determining, by the BCM 220, a period of time for which the remote key 204 may be present or remain motionless in the predefined zone 112, as described above. At step 610, the method 600 may include determining, by the BCM 220, that the period of time is greater than the first predefined period of time "T1." In response to determining that the period of time is greater than the first predefined period of time "T1," the BCM 220 may enable the notification unit 212 to issue the second set of notifications 504 for the second predefined period of time "T2" (after a predefined pause period "P"), as described above.

[0062] At step 612, the method 600 may include causing the rear closure 104 to move from the closed state to the open state, by the BCM 220, when the second predefined time period “T2” has elapsed.

[0063] The method 600 may end at step 614.

[0064] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0065] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components, as appropriate. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout the specification and claims refer to specific system components. As one skilled in the art will recognize, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0066] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0067] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-transitory media and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0068] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described in this specification, it is to be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice such that the described steps are performed in an order that differs from the order described in this specification. Further, it is to be understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this specification could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this specification are for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the claims.

[0069] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples listed will become apparent from a reading of the foregoing description. The scope should be determined not by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that there will be future developments in the art discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application is susceptible of modification and variation.

[0070] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their general meaning as known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the technologies described in this specification apply, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of the singular articles, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," etc., is intended to refer to one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim expressly limits otherwise.Conditional language, such as "may," "could," "may," or "may possibly," is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or clear from the particular context used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0071] In one aspect of the invention, enabling the vehicle notification unit to issue the second set of notifications comprises enabling the vehicle notification unit to issue the second set of notifications for a third predefined period of time after the first predefined period of time has elapsed.

[0072] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes determining that a predefined vehicle condition is met, wherein enabling the vehicle notification unit to issue the first set of notifications comprises enabling the vehicle notification unit to issue the first set of notifications when the predefined vehicle condition is met.

[0073] In one aspect of the invention, the predefined vehicle condition comprises at least one of the following: a vehicle is parked, vehicle movement is less than a predefined movement threshold, the rear closure is in the closed state, the vehicle is in a locked state, a state of charge of a vehicle battery is greater than a predefined battery level threshold, and an automatic control mode for the rear closure is activated.

[0074] In one aspect of the invention, the predefined zone is located a predefined distance away from the vehicle rear portion.

[0075] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: determine that a vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone proximate a vehicle rear portion based on inputs obtained from a detection unit; enable a notification unit to issue a first set of notifications for a first predefined period of time in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone; determine a period of time during which the vehicle access device remains in the predefined zone; determine that the period of time is greater than the first predefined period of time;and causing the rear closure to move from a closed state to an open state in response to determining that the time period is greater than the first predefined time period;

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a rear closure configured to move between a closed state and an open state; a detection unit configured to detect a location of a vehicle access device near the vehicle; a notification unit configured to issue at least one of visual or audible notifications; and a processor communicatively coupled to the rear closure, the detection unit, and the notification unit, the processor configured to: Determining that the vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone near a vehicle rear portion based on inputs obtained from the detection unit; Turning on the notification unit to issue a first set of notifications for a first predefined period of time in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone; Determining a period of time during which the vehicle access device is located in the predefined zone; Determining that the time period is greater than the first predefined time period; and Causing the rear closure to move from the closed state to the open state in response to determining that the time period is greater than the first predefined time period. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor enables 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: Turning on the notification unit to issue a second set of notifications at a second frequency for a second predefined period of time in response to determining that the period of time is greater than the first predefined period of time; and Cause the rear closure to move from the closed state to the open state when the second predefined time period has elapsed. [4] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the processor enables the notification unit to issue the second set of notifications for a third predefined period of time after the first predefined period of time has elapsed. [5] The vehicle of 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 to the vehicle access device at a third frequency in response to authenticating the vehicle access device; Receiving a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value from the vehicle access device; and Detecting a position of the vehicle access device based on the RSSI value. [6] The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the first frequency is equivalent to the third frequency. [7] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that a predefined vehicle condition is met, and wherein the processor enables the notification unit to issue the first set of notifications when the predefined vehicle condition is met. [8] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the predefined vehicle condition comprises at least one of the following: a vehicle is parked, vehicle movement is less than a predefined movement threshold, the rear closure is in the closed state, the vehicle is in a locked state, a state of charge of a vehicle battery is greater than a predefined battery level threshold, and an automatic control mode for the rear closure is activated. [9] A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the predefined zone is located a predefined distance away from the vehicle rear portion. [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 period of time has elapsed; and Disabling the notification unit in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has moved away from the predefined zone. [11] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining that the vehicle access device has moved within the predefined zone before the first predefined period of time has elapsed; and Disabling the notification unit in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has moved within the predefined zone. [12] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the detection unit comprises vehicle exterior lights 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, that a vehicle access device has entered a predefined zone proximate a vehicle rear portion based on inputs obtained from a detection unit; enabling, by the processor, a vehicle notification unit to issue a first set of notifications for a first predefined period of time in response to a determination that the vehicle access device has entered the predefined zone; determining, by the processor, a period of time during which the vehicle access device is located in the predefined zone; Determining that the time period is greater than the first predefined time period, by the processor; and Causing the rear closure to move from a closed state to an open state in response to a determination by the processor that the time period is greater than the first predefined time period. [14] The method of claim 13, wherein enabling the vehicle notification unit to output the first set of notifications comprises enabling the vehicle notification unit to output the first set of notifications at a first frequency. [15] The method of claim 14, further comprising: Turning on the vehicle notification unit to issue a second set of notifications at a second frequency for a second predefined period of time in response to a determination that the period of time is greater than the first predefined period of time; and Cause the rear closure to move from the closed state to the open state when the second predefined time period has elapsed.

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