Method for opening an openable panel of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for opening an openable panel of a vehicle, the opening method comprising: - an electronic control unit of the vehicle authenticating an identifier, characterised in that the opening method comprises: - the electronic control unit locating the identifier in a first proximity zone around the vehicle; - if the identifier is located in the first proximity zone, activating a stop invitation signal intended for a user of the vehicle; - an electronic control unit detecting whether the identifier has remained static for a first given period of time in the first proximity zone; - if so, the electronic control unit detecting whether the identifier enters a second proximity zone around the openable panel; - if so, if the identifier enters the second proximity zone, the electronic control unit sending a signal to the identifier for confirming the intention to open the openable panel, intended for the user; - the identifier relaying the signal for confirming the opening intention via a human-machine interface; - the electronic control unit detecting whether the identifier has remained static for a second given period of time in the second proximity zone; and - if so, the electronic control unit opening the openable panel.

Description

method of opening a vehicle door

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for opening a vehicle door. It finds a particular but non-limiting application in motor vehicles.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, a method for opening an opening of a vehicle, known to those skilled in the art, uses an identifier and comprises: - the authentication of said identifier by an electronic control unit of said vehicle, - the location of said identifier by an electronic control unit, the location comprising the determination of the distance of said identifier from said opening of the vehicle, - the counting of the number of times the current distance is less than the previous distance, - If this number is greater than a maximum determined for a determined distance near the vehicle (often less than 2 meters), the opening of said opening by said electronic control unit.

[0003] A disadvantage of this prior art is that it does not take into account the case where the user of the vehicle bearing the identifier approaches the opening and stops in front of the opening without wanting it to open. In the case of the cited prior art, the opening still opens automatically.

[0004] In this context, the present invention aims to propose a method for opening an opening of a vehicle which makes it possible to resolve the mentioned drawback.

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a method for opening an opening of a vehicle, said opening method comprising:- the authentication of an identifier by an electronic control unit of said vehicle, characterized in that said opening method comprises:- the location of said identifier by said electronic control unit in a first proximity zone around said vehicle,- if said identifier is located in said first proximity zone, the activation of a stop invitation signal intended for a user of said vehicle,- the detection by said electronic control unit if said identifier has remained static for a first determined period in said first proximity zone,- if so, the detection by said electronic control unit if said identifier enters a second proximity zone around said opening,- if so,if said identifier enters said second proximity zone, sending to said identifier by said electronic control unit a signal confirming the intention to open said opening to said user, - relaying by said identifier of said signal confirming the intention to open via a human-machine interface, - detecting by said electronic control unit whether said identifier has remained static for a second determined period in said second proximity zone, - if so, opening by said electronic control unit of said opening.,

[0006] Thus, as will be seen in detail later, thanks to two spatio-temporal verifications of the identifier, the opening process makes it possible to take into account the user's intention to open an opening of the vehicle and avoids automatically opening said opening when the user does not want to.

[0007] According to non-limiting embodiments, said method of opening an opening of a vehicle may further comprise one or more additional characteristics taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

[0008] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the activation of said stop invitation signal is carried out by said vehicle.

[0009] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said stop invitation signal is a welcome scenario.

[0010] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the activation of said stop invitation signal is carried out by said identifier.

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said stop invitation signal is an audible signal, a voice signal, or a vibration.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said authentication of said identifier is done via BLE communication between said identifier and said electronic control unit.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said location of said identifier is done via UWB communication between said identifier and said electronic control unit.

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said localization comprises trajectory tracking.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, a maximum time interval is defined between said first determined duration and said second determined duration.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first proximity zone corresponds to a welcome scenario zone.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said second proximity zone corresponds to an unlocking zone of said opening.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first proximity zone is larger than said second proximity zone and encompasses said second proximity zone.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said identifier is a hands-free access identifier of said vehicle for hands-free access and / or starting of said vehicle.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said opening is motorized.

[0021] There is further provided a system for opening an opening of a vehicle, said opening system comprising:- (a) an electronic control unit of said vehicle configured to:- authenticate an identifier,- locate said identifier,- (b) said identifier configured to:- authenticate itself with said electronic control unit,characterized in that:- (a) said electronic control unit is further configured to:- locate said identifier in a first proximity zone around said vehicle,- if said identifier is located in said first proximity zone, activate a stop invitation signal to a user of said vehicle or transmit to said identifier activation information to activate a stop invitation signal to a user,- detect whether said identifier has remained static for a first determined period of time in said first proximity zone,- if so,detecting whether said identifier enters a second proximity zone around said opening,- if so, sending to said identifier a signal confirming the intention to open said opening to said user,- detecting whether said identifier has remained static for a second determined period in said second proximity zone,- if so, opening said opening.- (b) said identifier is further configured to:- receive from said electronic control unit said signal confirming the intention to open to said user and relay it via a human-machine interface,- if said identifier is located in said first proximity zone, receive from said electronic control unit said activation information and activate a stop invitation signal to a user of said vehicle,

[0022] There is further provided an Electronic Control Unit configured to cooperate with an identifier, said electronic control unit being integrated into a vehicle and being configured to:- authenticate said identifier,- locate said identifier,characterized in that:- (a) said electronic control unit is further configured to:- locate said identifier in a first proximity zone around said vehicle,- if said identifier is located in said first proximity zone, activate a stop invitation signal to a user of said vehicle or transmit to said identifier activation information to activate a stop invitation signal to a user,- detect whether said identifier has remained static for a first determined period in said first proximity zone,- if so, detect whether said identifier enters a second proximity zone around said opening,- if so, if said identifier enters said second proximity zone, send to said identifier a signal confirming the intention to open said opening to said user,- detect if said identifier has remained static for a second determined duration in said second proximity zone,- if so, open said opening.,

[0023] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0024] is a flowchart of a method for opening an opening of a vehicle, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

[0025] illustrates the method of opening the, according to a first non-limiting variant embodiment,

[0026] illustrates the method of opening the, according to a second non-limiting variant embodiment,

[0027] is a schematic view of a system for opening an opening of a vehicle configured to implement the opening method of Figures 1 to 3, said opening system comprising an identifier and an electronic control unit integrated in said vehicle, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0028] illustrates said identifier and said electronic control unit and their functions, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0029] illustrates a user carrying an identifier who approaches a vehicle and enters a first proximity zone around said vehicle, then enters a second proximity zone around said opening, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0030] Identical elements, by structure or function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0031] The method PR1 for opening an opening 2 of a vehicle 2 according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0032] In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. By motor vehicle is meant any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, the vehicle 2 is thus otherwise referred to as motor vehicle 2.

[0033] The motor vehicle 2 comprises a plurality of openings 21 (illustrated in the). In non-limiting embodiments, an opening 21 is a trunk or a tailgate or a door of said motor vehicle 2. In the remainder of the description, the trunk or tailgate is referred to as trunk / tailgate. A door may open laterally or be sliding or may be a side door that opens vertically. The opening 21 that is opened by the opening method PR1 is motorized.

[0034] A first proximity zone z1 is defined around the motor vehicle 2. Furthermore, each opening 21 is associated with a second proximity zone z2 around said opening 21. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first proximity zone z1 corresponds to a welcome scenario zone. It will be noted that the advantage of using the welcome scenario as the first proximity zone z1 is to use an area already existing in the motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first proximity zone z1 is located approximately within 3.5 meters around said motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second proximity zone z2 corresponds to an unlocking zone of said opening 21. This is an access zone to said opening 21. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second proximity zone z2 is located approximately within 2 meters around said corresponding opening 21.It will be noted that the advantage of using the unlocking zone as the second proximity zone z2 is to use an area already existing in the motor vehicle 2. Thus, said first proximity zone z1 is larger than said second proximity zone z2 and encompasses said second proximity zone z2. The illustrates the first proximity zone z1 and the second proximity zone z2 for the trunk / tailgate of the motor vehicle 2, according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0035] The non-limiting embodiment of the trunk / tailgate is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. Thus, for reasons of clarity, only the first proximity zone z1 and the second proximity zone z2 corresponding to the trunk / tailgate have been shown.

[0036] The opening method PR1 is implemented by an opening system Sys1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. As illustrated in the, the detection system Sys1 comprises:- an identifier 3,- an electronic control unit 20 integrated in the motor vehicle 2.

[0037] In a non-limiting embodiment, the identifier 3 is a hands-free access identifier for hands-free access and / or starting of said motor vehicle 2. Thus, the identifier 3 can be used for an ADML (Hands-Free Access and Starting) application called PEPS in English (“Passive Entry Passive Start”) which allows a user u of the motor vehicle 2 to unlock / lock and start the motor vehicle 2 using this identifier 3 without physically introducing said identifier 3 into a lock of said motor vehicle 2 for unlocking / locking or into a contactor of said motor vehicle 2 for starting. Thus, when it is located near the motor vehicle 2, the openings 21 can be unlocked, and when it is located inside the motor vehicle 2, the engine of the motor vehicle 2 can be started.

[0038] In non-limiting embodiments, said identifier 3 is a Smartphone or a key (with buttons) or a connected object such as wireless earphones or a smart watch otherwise called a "Smartwatch" in English. The Smartphone or the connected object are thus used as a key to access and / or start the motor vehicle 2. The identifier 3 comprises one or more human-machine interfaces 30. In the, only one human-machine interface 30 has been illustrated.

[0039] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20, otherwise called ECU for (“Electronic Control Unit”) in English, is configured to communicate with the identifier 3 via the Bluetooth Low Energy “BLE” communication protocol. For this purpose, it comprises a BLE communication module for communicating with a corresponding BLE communication module of the identifier 3 for the authentication (described later) of said identifier 3. Of course, other communication protocols can be used.

[0040] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to cooperate with: - radio frequency (“RF”) sensors referenced 22 which are installed all around said vehicle 2 for the location (described later) of said identifier 3. In a non-limiting embodiment, these sensors are Ultra Wide Band (“UWB”) or BLE sensors.

[0041] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said localization of said identifier 3 is thus carried out by means of: - UWB or BLE communication if said identifier 3 is a Smartphone or a connected object or if the identifier 3 is a key, or - low frequency (“LF”) – radio frequency (“RF”) communication if said identifier 3 is a key, the key then comprising LF transmitters.

[0042] Note that localization via BLE communication is done at around 50 meters or more (up to 400 meters in BLE 5.x). Localization via UWB communication is done at around 10 meters. Localization via BF-RF communication is done at around 3 meters. Of course, other communication protocols can be used.

[0043] It is recalled that radio frequency ("RF") operates in a frequency range between 30 MHz and 300 GHz. In a non-limiting example, the RF frequency is 433 MHz. It is recalled that UWB operates in a frequency range between 3.2 GHz and 8.3 GHz with a bandwidth of 500 MHz. It is recalled that BLE operates at 2.4 GHz. It is recalled that in a non-limiting example, the BF frequency is 115 kHz.

[0044] In a non-limiting embodiment, the communication between the identifier 3 and the vehicle 2 is done in BLE. In this case, the identifier 3 and the vehicle 2 comprise BLE transceivers. In a non-limiting embodiment, the location of the identifier 3 is done in UWB. In this case, the identifier 3 and the vehicle 2 comprise UWB sensors.

[0045] It will be noted that the UWB sensors include UWB communication modules and UWB antennas. The non-limiting example of UWB sensors is taken in the remainder of the description.

[0046] Since different communication techniques are known to those skilled in the art using different RF communication protocols (for example BLE), they are not described here. Since different localization techniques are known to those skilled in the art using different UWB and / or BF protocols, they are not described here. In a non-limiting embodiment, the localization is carried out periodically. In a non-limiting embodiment, it is done several times per second. Thus, this makes it possible to detect whether the identifier 3 (and therefore its user u) returns to a proximity zone z1 or z2 (described later) after having left it, for example.

[0047] As illustrated in the, the opening method PR1 comprises the steps described below. As will be seen below, the identifier 3 will serve as a communication relay between the motor vehicle 2 and the user u. At the instigation of the motor vehicle 2, the identifier 3 will in fact transmit certain information to the user u to allow the automatic opening of an opening 21. In the non-limiting example taken, the opening 21 is the trunk or tailgate of the motor vehicle 2.

[0048] In a step E1 illustrated F1(20, 3, Auth) on the, the electronic control unit 20 authenticates the identifier 3. This makes it possible to authorize a connection between the identifier 3 and the motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the authentication is done via a BLE communication between said identifier 3 and said electronic control unit 20. In the case of BLE, the connection is made when the identifier 3 is located around 50 meters around the motor vehicle 2. Thus, when the identifier 3 is authenticated, a connection is established between it and the electronic control unit 20 and it can thus communicate with the motor vehicle 2, in particular with the electronic control unit 20.

[0049] In a step E2 illustrated F2(20, 3, z1, Tj, IN) on the, the electronic control unit 20 locates the identifier 3 in the first proximity zone z1. In a non-limiting embodiment, said location of said identifier 3 is done via UWB communication between said identifier 3 and said electronic control unit 20. This UWB communication makes it possible to have a location which includes a trajectory tracking Tj, namely the electronic control unit 20 knows the coordinates x, y, z of the identifier 3 and this at any time when the identifier 3 approaches the motor vehicle 2. Thus, the location is very precise.This makes it possible, on the one hand, to see the arrival of user u from greater distances 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 takes place within a given limited time after said notification.

[0050] Thus, if the identifier 3 is located by the electronic control unit 20 in the first proximity zone z1 (branch Y1), in a step E3 illustrated F3(u, s1) on the, a stop invitation signal s1 intended for the user u of said motor vehicle 2 is activated.

[0051] Note that as long as identifier 3 has not entered the first proximity zone z1, the localization is repeated (branch N1 shown). Note that while identifier 3 is in the first proximity zone z1, the localization is also always repeated. This makes it possible to verify that it is always in said first proximity zone z1. In a non-limiting example, the localization is carried out every 96ms (milliseconds).

[0052] In a first non-limiting variant embodiment illustrated in the, the activation of the stop invitation signal s1 is carried out by the motor vehicle 2 itself (illustrated step F3(20, u, s1). In particular, it is the electronic control unit 20 which activates the stop invitation signal s1. In this case, in a non-limiting embodiment, said stop invitation signal s1 is a welcome scenario. Thus, when the user u with his identifier 3 enters the first proximity zone z1, light sources (not illustrated) of the motor vehicle 2 light up to carry out the welcome scenario.

[0053] In a second non-limiting variant embodiment illustrated in the, the activation of the stop invitation signal s1 is carried out by the identifier 3 itself. In this case, the electronic control unit 20 transmits activation information inf1 to the identifier 3 to indicate to it that it must activate the stop invitation signal s1 (step F2'(20, 3, inf1) illustrated). The latter receives it and activates the stop activation signal s1 (step F3 (3, u, s1) illustrated). In this case, in non-limiting embodiments, said stop invitation signal s1 is a sound signal, a voice signal, or a vibration. Thus, the identifier 3 uses its human-machine interface 30 to transmit to the user u the sound signal, the voice signal or the vibration.

[0054] Thus, as illustrated in the, if the user u enters the first proximity zone z1 (position p1 illustrated), and upon receipt of this stop invitation signal s1, the user u knows that he must stop for a few moments. He therefore stops. Then, he can start moving again towards the trunk / tailgate. In the, the stop invitation signal s1 is either a welcome scenario (signal referenced s1.1 in the figure) where the two front headlights and the two rear lights come on in the non-limiting example illustrated, or a vibration (signal referenced s1.2 in the figure) of said identifier 3.

[0055] It will be noted that the two non-limiting embodiments can be combined. Thus, if the identifier 3 is located in the first proximity zone z1, the welcome scenario is activated and at the same time, the user u perceives a sound signal, a voice signal or a vibration on the identifier 3.

[0056] In a step E4 illustrated F4(20, 3, z1, t1) on the, the electronic control unit 20 detects whether the identifier 3 has remained static for a first determined duration t1 in the first proximity zone z1. In a non-limiting example, t1 is between 500 milliseconds and 2 seconds. The motor vehicle 2 thus identifies that the user u has stopped in the present case. After stopping, the user u can continue to move towards the trunk / tailgate.

[0057] In a step E5 illustrated F5(20, 3, z2, Tj, IN) on the, if so (branch Y2), the electronic control unit 20 detects whether said identifier 3 subsequently enters the second proximity zone z2 around said opening 21. Thus, the motor vehicle 2 detects whether the user u with his identifier 3 continues to move towards the trunk / tailgate. In the non-limiting embodiment, this detection which is a localization is done via UWB communication which makes it possible to have a localization which includes a tracking of trajectory Tj.

[0058] It will be noted that as long as the identifier 3 has not entered the second proximity zone z2, the localization is repeated (branch N3 illustrated). In a non-limiting example, the localization is carried out every 96ms (milliseconds). It will be noted that while the identifier 3 is in the second proximity zone z2, the localization is always repeated. This makes it possible to verify that it is still in said second proximity zone z2. In general, thanks to the localization, the electronic control unit 20 knows at all times where the identifier 3 is located in relation to the motor vehicle 2.

[0059] In a step E6 illustrated F6(20, 3, s2) on the, in the affirmative (branch Y3), if said identifier 3 has entered the second proximity zone z2 around said opening 21, the electronic control unit 20 sends to the identifier 3 an opening intention confirmation signal s2 of said opening 21 to said user u and the identifier 3 relays this opening intention confirmation signal s2 via its human-machine interface 30 (step E7 illustrated F7(30, u, s2)). It will be noted that the human-machine interface 30 can be the same as that which transmits the stop invitation signal s1 or a different human-machine interface 30. In the non-limiting example of the figure, it is the same. In a non-limiting embodiment, said opening intention confirmation signal s2 is a sound signal, a voice signal, or a vibration or a combination of the signals, vibration.

[0060] Thus, after having marked a first stop time, if the user u enters the second activity zone z2 as illustrated in the (position p2), the motor vehicle 2 transmits to him via the identifier 3, a second signal, here the opening intention confirmation signal s2 which asks him if he confirms his intention to open the opening 21, here the trunk / tailgate of the motor vehicle 2. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the, the opening intention confirmation signal s2 is a vibration of said identifier 3.

[0061] In the negative, if the identifier 3 is not entered in the second proximity zone z2, the electronic control unit 20 acts as in the classic cases of location configured by the manufacturers for the PEPS application. The negative branch has not been illustrated in this case.

[0062] Confirmation of user u's intention to open the trunk / tailgate must be done by a second pause. Note that this second pause (position p3 illustrated in the) occurs naturally when user u wants the trunk / tailgate to open automatically, for example, when he wants to put things inside and his arms are full.

[0063] Thus, in a step E8 illustrated F8(20, 3, z2, t2), the electronic control unit 20 detects whether the identifier 3 has remained static for a second determined duration t2 in said second proximity zone z2. In a non-limiting example, t2 is between two seconds and ten seconds. The motor vehicle 2 thus identifies that the user u has stopped a second time in the present case.

[0064] If yes (branch Y4), this means that user u stopped again to confirm their intention to open the trunk / tailgate. If no (branch N4), this means that the user did not stop at all. They therefore did not validate their intention to open the trunk / tailgate. For example, they drove around motor vehicle 2 without stopping a second time to mow the lawn. This ends the opportunity to automatically open the trunk / tailgate. The opening process PR1 stops (illustrated by step E).

[0065] Thus, in a step E9 illustrated F9(20, 21, OPN), the electronic control unit 20 opens the trunk / tailgate if the identifier 3 has remained static for the second determined duration t2. Thus, the trunk / tailgate opens automatically, which allows the user u not to use his hands to open it, in particular if his arms are full.

[0066] In a non-limiting embodiment, a maximum time interval int1 is defined between said first determined duration t1 (in particular the end) and said second determined duration t2 (in particular the start). In a non-limiting embodiment, the maximum time interval int1 is between 10 and 20 seconds. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, the maximum time interval int1 is between 16 and 20 seconds. This corresponds to a minimum speed of movement (slow walking) to cover approximately 8 meters of distance to cross almost from one side of the first proximity zone z1 and arrive at the second proximity zone z2 for example when coming from the front of the vehicle 2 in the case of opening the tailgate / trunk.

[0067] Using the maximum time interval int1 allows:- to have a smooth and robust user experience. For example, waiting 10 seconds at 3.5 meters from your vehicle when you are in a hurry is not considered very smooth,- to have a robust validation after indicating the intention to open an opening 21.

[0068] The maximum time interval int1 allows us to eliminate spurious cases where the first intention stop was not desired (for example if we mow the lawn or stop on the way to chat, type a text message, etc.).

[0069] The maximum time interval int1 is thus calibrated to:- distinguish as quickly as possible the temporary stop linked to the automatic opening service of an opening 21 from a prolonged stop not linked to the automatic opening service of an opening 21,- allow the average user to carry out the second stop at their own pace.

[0070] Thus, if user u stops the second time but after this time interval int1 has passed, step E9 is not performed. The trunk / tailgate does not open.

[0071] Thus, in a step F8' illustrated 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 it remained static, is less than the maximum time interval int1. This step being optional, it is illustrated in broken lines. If so (branch Y5), we move on to step E9. If not (N5), this means, for example, that the user u took too long to stop the second time. He therefore did not validate his intention to open the trunk / tailgate. This ends the opportunity to automatically open the trunk / tailgate. The opening process PR1 stops (illustrated by step E). This means that the first stop is only a coincidence. By testing with the int time interval, unwanted spurious cases are reduced.If it takes too long to stop the second time, this means that it does not voluntarily wish to invoke the automatic opening service of the opening 21. We may be in the case where the user u passes the lawnmower near the motor vehicle 2 and that it stops from time to time around in a non-limiting example.

[0072] Thus, thanks to the two stopping times marked by the user in two different proximity zones z1 and z2 over a respective given time window t1, t2, the opening method PR1 makes it possible to be certain of the user's intention to open an opening 21. The first spatio-temporal stop defined by the first proximity zone z1 and the first duration t1 makes it possible to verify the intention of the user u a first time, and the second spatio-temporal stop defined by the second proximity zone z2 and the second duration t2 makes it possible to confirm the intention of the user u a second time.

[0073] Thus, the opening method PR1 described is implemented by the opening system Sys1 of an opening 21 of a vehicle 2 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0074] The identifier 3 of the opening system Sys1 is configured to authenticate with the electronic control unit 20 (function f30(3, 20, Auth) illustrated in the. Different methods of authenticating an identifier 3 being known to those skilled in the art, they are not described here.

[0075] The identifier 3 is further configured to:- receive from said electronic control unit 20 said opening intention confirmation signal s2 to said user u (function f31(3, 20, s2) illustrated in the), and- relay it via a human-machine interface 30 (function f32(3, 30, u, s2) illustrated in the). The identifier 3 thus serves as a relay to relay the instructions of the motor vehicle 2 to the user u.

[0076] In a non-limiting embodiment, the identifier 3 is further configured to: - if said identifier 3 is located in said first proximity zone z1, receive from said electronic control unit 20 said activation information inf1 (function f33(3, 20, inf1) illustrated in the), and - activate said stop invitation signal s1 to a user u of said vehicle 2 (function f34(3, 30, u, s1) illustrated in the). It does so via a human-machine interface 30. The identifier 3 thus serves as a relay to relay the instructions of the motor vehicle 2 to the user u.

[0077] In a non-limiting embodiment, the stop invitation signal s1 is configurable by the user u. Thus, the latter can indicate whether he wishes to receive a sound signal, a voice signal, a vibration or see a welcome scenario to stop the first time or a combination of these signals, vibration, scenario. In a non-limiting embodiment, the opening intention confirmation signal s2 is configurable by the user u. Thus, the latter can indicate whether he wishes to receive a sound signal, a voice signal, or a vibration or a combination of these signals, vibration, to stop the second time.

[0078] It will be noted that identifier 3 includes an electronic control unit (not shown) to perform the functions described above.

[0079] The electronic control unit 20 is configured to authenticate said identifier 3 (function f20(20, 3, Auth) illustrated in the).

[0080] The electronic control unit 20 is further configured to locate said identifier 3 in a first proximity zone z1 around said motor vehicle 2 (function f21(20, 3, z1, Tj, IN) illustrated in the).

[0081] Illustrates the different positions p of a user u carrying said identifier 3 who approaches the motor vehicle 2. When the user u approaches the motor vehicle 2 and enters the first proximity zone z1 associated with the trunk / tailgate, he is in position p1. The electronic control unit 20 locates him in this first proximity zone z1 by means of the UWB sensors in the non-limiting example taken.

[0082] When said identifier 3 is located in the first proximity zone z1, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to:- activate said stop invitation signal s1 to the user u (illustrated function f22(20, u, s1) on the). Thus, the welcome scenario is triggered in the non-limiting example, or- transmit to said identifier 3 an activation information inf1 to activate said stop invitation signal s1 to a user u (illustrated function f23(20, 3, inf1) on the).

[0083] The electronic control unit 20 is further configured to detect whether said identifier 3 has remained static for a first determined duration t1 in said first proximity zone z1 (function f24(20, 3, z1, t1) illustrated in the). Thus, it checks whether the identifier 3 has remained static in its position, here p1.

[0084] If so, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to detect whether said identifier 3 enters the second proximity zone z2 around an opening 21 of said motor vehicle 2 (function f25(20, 3, z2, Tj, IN) illustrated in the), therefore after it has remained static in the first proximity zone z1 for the first determined duration t1. In the, when the identifier 3 enters the second proximity zone z2, it is in position p2.

[0085] If so, 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 confirming the intention to open s2 of said opening element 21 to said user u (function f26(20, 3, s2) illustrated in the).

[0086] After entering the second proximity zone z2, the user can walk up to the trunk / tailgate and stop in front of it. It is in position p3 on the.

[0087] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to detect whether said identifier 3 remains static for a second determined duration t2 in said second proximity zone z2 (function f27(20, 3, z2, t2) illustrated in the) when it is in said second proximity zone z2. Thus, it checks whether the identifier 3 has remained static in its position, here p3.

[0088] Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to determine whether the time interval int, between the first time the identifier 3 remained static and the second time it remained static, is less than the maximum time interval int1 (function f28'(20, 3, int, int1) illustrated in the).

[0089] Finally, if this is the case, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to open said opening 21 (function f29(20, 21, OPN) illustrated in the).

[0090] In a non-limiting embodiment, if the opening 21 was not previously unlocked, the electronic control unit 20 is further configured to unlock said opening 21 before opening it (function f28(20, 21, UNLCK) illustrated in the).

[0091] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the field described above. Thus, the trunk / tailgate has been taken as a non-limiting example as opening 21. However, in another non-limiting embodiment, the opening 21 can also be a motorized side door which opens automatically to allow lateral access to the motor vehicle 2. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the user u has stopped for the first time, the identifier 3 having remained static for the first determined duration t1, the electronic control unit 20 can further be configured to transmit an information signal to the user u (directly or via the identifier 3) to indicate to him that the motor vehicle 2 has understood that he has stopped in order to open the opening 21.

[0092] Thus, the invention described presents in particular the following advantages: - it allows automatic opening of an opening 21 without manual intervention by the user u to open the opening 21, and this in a reliable manner;the user just has to mark an initial stop, then naturally continue to walk to the opening 21 concerned, and naturally stop in front of it and wait for it to open automatically, - it makes it possible to avoid the case where an opening 21 opens automatically when the user u approaches with his identifier 3 the opening 21 and stops in front of it while the user u does not intend for the opening 21 to open, - it makes it possible to detect the intention of the user u to open an opening 21 of the vehicle 2 and to confirm it, - it makes it possible to avoid equipping the vehicle 2 with a foot movement sensor otherwise called "kick sensor" in English, the latter being very sensitive to the slightest movement and being able to detect parasitic movements such as the passage of a cat, which cause an unwanted opening of an opening 21 such as the trunk or tailgate;thus, thanks to the solution of the invention, the cost of the vehicle 2 is reduced because it does not have such a motion sensor, - it is simple to implement.;

Claims

Method (PR1) for opening an opening (21) of a vehicle (2), said opening method (PR1) comprising: - the authentication of an identifier (3) by an electronic control unit (20) of said vehicle (2), characterized in that said opening method (PR1) comprises: - the location of said identifier (3) by said electronic control unit (20) in a first proximity zone (z1) around said vehicle (2), - if said identifier (3) is located in said first proximity zone (z1), the activation of a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for a user (u) of said vehicle (2), - the detection by said electronic control unit (20) if said identifier (3) has remained static for a first determined duration (t1) in said first proximity zone (z1), - if so,the detection by said electronic control unit (20) if said identifier (3) enters a second proximity zone (z2) around said opening (21),- if so, if said identifier (3) enters said second proximity zone (z2), the sending to said identifier (3) by said electronic control unit (20) of a signal confirming the intention to open (s2) of said opening (21) to said user (u),- the relay by said identifier (3) of said signal confirming the intention to open (s2) via a human-machine interface (30),- the detection by said electronic control unit (20) if said identifier (3) has remained static for a second determined duration (t2) in said second proximity zone (z2),- if so, the opening by said electronic control unit (20) of said opening (21)., Opening method (PR1) according to claim 1, wherein the activation of said stop invitation signal (s1) is carried out by said vehicle (2). Opening method (PR1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said stop invitation signal (s1) is a welcome scenario. Opening method (PR1) according to claim 1, wherein the activation of said stop invitation signal (s1) is carried out by said identifier (3). Opening method (PR1) according to the preceding claim, according to which said stop invitation signal (s1) is a sound signal, a voice signal, or a vibration. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which said authentication of said identifier (3) is done via BLE communication between said identifier (3) and said electronic control unit (20). Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which said location of said identifier (3) is done via UWB communication between said identifier (3) and said electronic control unit (20). Opening method (PR1) according to the preceding claim, according to which said location comprises trajectory tracking (Tj). Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which a maximum time interval (int1) is defined between said first determined duration (t1) and said second determined duration (t2). Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first proximity zone (z1) corresponds to a welcome scenario zone. Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which said second proximity zone (z2) corresponds to an unlocking zone of said opening (21). An opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first proximity zone (z1) is larger than said second proximity zone (z2) and encompasses said second proximity zone (z2). Opening method (PR1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said identifier (3) is a hands-free access identifier of said vehicle (2) for hands-free access and / or starting of said vehicle (2). An opening system (Sys1) for an opening (21) of a vehicle (2), said opening system (Sys1) comprising:- (a) an electronic control unit (20) of said vehicle (2) configured to:- authenticate an identifier (3),- locate said identifier (3),- (b) said identifier (3) configured to:- authenticate itself with said electronic control unit (20),characterized in that:- (a) said electronic control unit (20) is further configured to:- locate said identifier (3) in a first proximity zone (z1) around said vehicle (2),- if said identifier (3) is located in said first proximity zone (z1), activate a stop invitation signal (s1) to a user (u) of said vehicle (2) or transmit to said identifier (3) activation information (inf1) to activate a stop invitation signal (s1) to a user (u),- detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static for a first determined duration (t1) in said first proximity zone (z1),- if so, detecting whether said identifier (3) enters a second proximity zone (z2) around said opening (21),- if so, sending to said identifier (3) a signal confirming the intention to open (s2) of said opening (21) to said user (u),- detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static for a second determined duration (t2) in said second proximity zone (z2),- if so, opening said opening (21).- (b) said identifier (3) is further configured to:- receive from said electronic control unit (20) said signal confirming the intention to open (s2) to said user (u) and relay it via a human-machine interface (30),- if said identifier (3) is located in said first proximity zone (z1),receiving from said electronic control unit (20) said activation information (inf1) and activating a stop invitation signal (s1) intended for a user (u) of said vehicle (2)., Electronic control unit (20) configured to cooperate with an identifier (3), said electronic control unit (20) being integrated into a vehicle (2) and being configured to:- authenticate said identifier (3),- locate said identifier (3),characterized in that:- (a) said electronic control unit (20) is further configured to:- locate said identifier (3) in a first proximity zone (z1) around said vehicle (2),- if said identifier (3) is located in said first proximity zone (z1), activate a stop invitation signal (s1) to a user (u) of said vehicle (2) or transmit to said identifier (3) activation information (inf1) to activate a stop invitation signal (s1) to a user (u),- detect whether said identifier (3) has remained static for a first determined duration (t1) in said first proximity zone (z1),- if so,detecting whether said identifier (3) enters a second proximity zone (z2) around said opening (21), - if so, if said identifier (3) enters said second proximity zone (z2), sending to said identifier (3) a signal confirming the intention to open (s2) said opening (21) to said user (u), - detecting whether said identifier (3) has remained static for a second determined duration (t2) in said second proximity zone (z2), - if so, opening said opening (21).,

Images