Back-up vehicle access systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for back-up access to a compartment door of a vehicle. One example system includes an access panel including a key slot and a door including a door latch, the door providing user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door. The key slot includes a key cylinder including a plurality of tumblers and is mechanically configured to receive a keycard having a size and shape to permit insertion into the key slot and into the key cylinder. The keycard includes a plurality of key notches configured to each engage with a respective tumbler of the plurality of tumblers, pushing each of the plurality of tumblers a predetermined distance towards an inner side of the key cylinder. The keycard is configured to mechanically release the door latch when the keycard is fully engaged within the key slot, allowing the door to be opened.

Description

BACK-UP VEHICLE ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 581,470, filed on September 8, 2023, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for providing back-up or secondary access to one or more compartments of a vehicle, such as, for example, in instances where the vehicle battery is depleted.SUMMARY

[0003] Vehicles (in particular, automotives) are often equipped with electronic keyless authorization devices and technology (for example, a push-button or passive entry key fob, a request or command transmitted via a mobile application on a smartphone (a “phone as a key”), etc.) for accessing one or more compartments of the vehicle. In situations, however, when one or more batteries of the vehicle are depleted, a user may not be able to access various compartments of the vehicle using the electronic keyless authorization technology as the devices associated with such technology (e.g., various receivers, processors, etc.) in the vehicle require power to detect and authorize a user and may also use power assist technology to unlock and open a compartment of a vehicle. Accordingly, when a vehicle has a depleted battery, a user may not be able to access a vehicle compartment containing one or more battery (e.g., a trunk or frunk) to charge and / or replace the battery. In particular, as vehicle technology has evolved from lock and key doors and ignitions to electronic keyless systems, vehicles may not include mechanical locks with associated physical keys to use as a backup method for accessing vehicle compartments.For example, some vehicles use touch switches and “light touch” handles to electronically open a vehicle door from outside of the vehicle and may use similar activation to open a vehicle door from inside the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, providing a non-key or authentication-based access door or process for accessing a depleted vehicle battery fails to address security concerns and may allow vehiclebatteries or other vehicle or user components located in the same compartment as the battery to be stolen. For example, if a battery is located in a front trunk of a vehicle (also referred as a “frunk”), providing a mechanical and / or electrical bypass for accessing the frunk, such as when the battery is depleted, may be used by unauthorized individuals to steal the battery, other valuables kept in the frunk, or a combination thereof. For example, allowing a frunk to open in response to application of a particular voltage across wires accessible behind an emergency access panel on the outside of the vehicle allows for unauthorized access to the frunk of the vehicle and its contents.

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments described herein provide back-up access systems and methods for accessing one or more compartments of the vehicle, such as for example, a compartment containing the vehicle battery. As described in more detail below, systems and methods described herein may use a personal key card or similar device (e.g., a wearable ring, bracelet, etc.), an electronic access code provided by a mobile device of a user, or a combination thereof to securely access one or more compartments of a vehicle when, for example, the vehicle battery is depleted.

[0006] For example, one embodiment provides a back-up access system for operating a compartment door of a vehicle. The system includes an access panel including a key slot and a door including a door latch. The door provides user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door, the key slot including a key cylinder including a plurality of tumblers. The key slot is mechanically configured to receive a key card having a size and shape to permit insertion into the key slot and into the key cylinder, and the key card includes a plurality of key notches configured to each engage with a respective tumbler of the plurality of tumblers. The key notches push each of the plurality of tumblers a predetermined distance toward an inner side of the key cylinder, such that the keycard is configured to mechanically release the door latch when the keycard is fully engaged within the key slot and releasing the door latch allows the door to be opened.

[0007] Another back-up access system includes an access panel including a door with an electronically-controlled door latch, the door providing user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor isconfigured to receive power from a power source external to the vehicle, receive, from an electronic communications device, identification information; and determine whether the identification information corresponds to an authorized profile. In response to determining that the identification information corresponds to the authorized profile, the electronic processor is configured to actuate the door latch, which allows the door of the access panel to be opened.

[0008] Another back-up access system includes an access panel including a rechargeable power source, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, and a door with an electronically-controlled door latch. The door provides user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to receive power from the rechargeable power source, receive, at the RFID receiver, identification information, and determine whether the identification information corresponds to an authorized profile. In response to determining that the identification information corresponds to the authorized profile, the electronic processor is configured to actuate the door latch, opening the door of the access panel.

[0009] Yet another back-up access system includes a back-up power source, a door handle release system for the compartment door including a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver and an electronically-controlled door latch to release the compartment door, and a battery switching circuit for selectively providing power to the door handle release system from the back-up power source and the vehicle battery. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to receive power from the rechargeable power source, receive, at the RFID receiver, identification information, and determine whether the identification information corresponds to an authorized profile. In response to determining that the identification information corresponds to the authorized profile, the electronic processor is configured to actuate the door latch, which allows the compartment door of the vehicle to be opened.

[0010] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments, examples, aspects, and features of concepts that include the claimed subject matter and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments, examples, aspects, and features.

[0012] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for providing back-up access to a vehicle in accordance with some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an example back-up access system included in the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2B schematically illustrates an example back-up access system included in the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2C schematically illustrates an example back-up access system included in the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2D schematically illustrates an example back-up access system included in the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 A illustrates an access panel of the system of FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3B illustrates an access panel of the system of FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a key card included in the system of FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the access panel and the key card of the system of FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 6A illustrates a key slot of the access panel of the system of FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates a key slot of the access panel of the system of FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 7A illustrates the access panel and an electronic communications device of the system of FIG. 2B in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 7B illustrates the access panel and an electronic communications device of the system of FIG. 2B in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates the access panel and a key card of the system of FIG. 2C in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a cover of the access panel of the system of FIG. 2C in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic communications device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a controller in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a back-up system for accessing a vehicle with a depleted battery in accordance with some embodiments.

[0030] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of examples, aspects, and features illustrated.

[0031] In some instances, the apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the of various embodiments, examples, aspects, and featuresso as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0033] For ease of description, some or all of the example systems presented herein are illustrated with a single exemplar of each of its component parts. Some examples may not describe or illustrate all components of the systems. Other examples may include more or fewer of each of the illustrated components, may combine some components, or may include additional or alternative components.

[0034] It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware and software-based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement the embodiments provided herein. It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware and softwarebased devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be used to implement the invention. In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic based aspects of the invention may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processors. As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software-based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement the invention. For example, “control units” and “controllers” described in the specification can include one or more processors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more memory modules including non-transitorycomputer-readable media, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting the components.

[0035] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more electronic processors such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and / or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

[0036] Moreover, some embodiments may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising an electronic processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0037] It should be understood that although certain drawings illustrate hardware and software located within particular devices, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. In some examples, the illustrated components may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware and / or hardware. For example, instead of being located within and performed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronicprocessors. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components may be located on the same computing device or may be distributed among multiple different devices. Accordingly, in the claims, if an apparatus, method, or system is claimed, for example, as including a controller, control unit, electronic processor, computing device, logic element, module, or other element configured in a certain manner, for example, to perform multiple functions, the claim or claim element should be interpreted as meaning one or more of such elements where any one of the one or more elements is configured as claimed, for example, to make any one or more of the recited multiple functions, such that the multiple elements, as a set in a collective nature, perform the multiple functions.

[0038] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. The term “predetermined” means specified prior to an event. Also, electronic communications and notifications may be performed using any known means including direct connections (e.g., wired or optical), wireless connections, or other communication.

[0039] Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein may be used independently (e g., as alternatives) or in various combinations. For example, in some embodiments, a vehicle may be equipped with more than one back-up access system.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for providing access to a vehicle in accordance with some embodiments. The system 100 includes a vehicle 102 including a back-up access system 200. The vehicle 102 may be a combustion-engine vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle.

[0041] The vehicle 102 may be any kind of vehicle (e.g., an automotive vehicle) with at least one compartment having controlled access, such as, for example, a frunk, a trunk, a cabin, acharging port, a compartment storing one or more release mechanisms for other compartments, or the like. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 102 includes, among other things, one or more electronically lockable compartment doors 104A - 104E (which, for sake of brevity, are referred to herein as a singular compartment door 104). The one or more compartment doors 104 may include but are not limited to a hood / frunk door 104 A, a cabin door 104B, 104C, a rear trunk door 104D, and an access panel door 104E. Other types of compartment doors may include a fuel filler door or a charge port door and, in some embodiments, the access panel door 104 as described herein may function as one of these types of doors. It should be understood that the term “compartment door” is used herein to describe any sort of hinged, sliding, or otherwise movable hatch that allows access to a compartment (and, thus, any components therein) of the vehicle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the compartment door 104A allows access to a hood compartment (not shown) containing, among other things, a vehicle battery (FIG. 2). As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the compartment doors 104B and 104C provide access to a cabin of the vehicle 102 and the compartment door 104D provides access to a trunk of the vehicle 102. As yet another example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the compartment door 104E is included in an external access panel of the vehicle 102 and provides access to one or more release mechanisms for other compartments of the vehicle 102, such as, for example, the frunk.

[0042] The back-up access system 200 is configured to operate a door latch of one or more doors of the vehicle 102 to grant a user access to one or more compartments of the vehicle 102 (particularly in instances where the vehicle battery is depleted). The door latch may be to a compartment door 104 such as those described above with respect to FIG. 1; however, embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular compartment door of the vehicle 102.

[0043] As explained in more detail below, a user may interact with the back-up access system 200 using, for example, a keycard 300, which may be configured to communicate with one or more controllers and / or receivers included in the vehicle 102, such as, for example, using near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), or another wireless (e.g., short range) communication protocol. The keycard 300 may be a passive card or an active card and may take various shapes and forms. For example, in some embodiments, rather than havinga credit-card shape, the keycard 300 may be formed as a ring, a bracelet, a watch, or the like. A credit-card shape, however, allows the key card 300 to be carried in a wallet or purse of user and, thus, increases the chances that the user has the keycard 300 with them when needed.

[0044] As also explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, as an alternative to or in addition to using the key card 300, a user interacts with the back-up access system 200 using an electronic communications device 900 that communicates with the system 200 over a wired or wireless communication channel. The electronic communications device 900 may be a smart phone, tablet, smart watch, or other type of mobile communications device. As previously noted, in some embodiments, a user may use both the key card 300 and the electronic communications device 900 to interact with the back-up access system 200.

[0045] Mechanical Keycard

[0046] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the back-up system 200 in accordance with a first embodiment (referenced herein as back-up system 200A). The system 200A includes an access panel 400. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the access panel 400 is located on an exterior surface of the vehicle 102 and, in some embodiments, is accessible by opening a manually- operated panel door 403. In other embodiments, however, the access panel 400 may not include a door or similar cover. The access panel 400 includes one or more user access inputs 222 (e g., a key slot 222A) and a door latch 218 of a door 25 controlling access to a compartment or area 402 storing one or more release mechanisms 404 for a compartment of the vehicle 102, such as, for example, the firunk. For example, in some embodiments, the release mechanisms 404 include wires for providing an electrical override for the frunk (by attaching an external power source to the wires), a mechanical trigger or mechanism (e.g., cords or cables that can be manually pulled to release a latch) for opening the frunk, or a combination thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the access panel 400 includes additional inputs, outputs, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the access panel 400 also includes a charging port for the vehicle 102, such as when the vehicle 102 is an electric or hybrid vehicle. Also, in some embodiments, the access panel 400 includes one or more indicators that may provide information to the user regarding the battery, whether a user has been authorized to access the access panel 400 or components associated with the access panel 400, or the like. Itshould be understood that the access panel 400 can be positioned at various locations on the exterior of the vehicle, such as, for example, part of a charging port (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), on a front grill, on a front side bumper, a slot between the driver and rear door, or the like.

[0048] In the system 200A, the keycard 300, as described above, may operate as a backup key fob or other authentication device that allows a user to access and / or control the vehicle 102 (e.g., in a situation where the user’s fob or other access device is not working or not present). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the key card 300 may be an electronic access key card and may include, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that a user may hold up to a receiver included in the vehicle 102 to access the vehicle 102 similar to how a user may use an active or passive key fob or a mechanical key. The RFID tag 304 may be a passive RFID tag or an active RFID tag including a battery (not shown).

[0049] In the system 200A, the keycard 300, however, may also operate as a mechanical key or access device for the door 25 of the access panel 400. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the key card 300 may have unique grooves or notches 302 (e.g., linear grooves) cut into one or more surfaces (e.g., a lower left comer). To open the door 25, the user inserts the keycard 300 into the key slot 222A wherein the notches 302 are uniquely sized and configured to mechanically engage with a physical lock for the door 25 of the access panel 400 and, thus, unlock and release the door 25.

[0050] For example, FIG. 5 illustrates accessing the door 25 of the vehicle 102 using the keycard 300 with the system 200A. In the illustrated embodiment, the keycard 300 has a size and shape to permit insertion into the key slot 222A (and into a key cylinder thereof). The access panel 400 is configured such that the door 25 is released / opened when the keycard 300 is fully inserted into the key slot 222A. FIGS. 6A and 6B are each a cutaway view of the key slot 222A, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated, the key slot 222A includes a key cylinder 602 including a plurality of tumblers 604. With reference to FIG. 6A, as the keycard 300 is inserted, the notches 302 of the key card 300 engage with each of the plurality of tumblers 604, pushing the tumblers 604 a predetermined distance along a length of the key cylinder 602. As the keycard 300 continues to be inserted (FIG. 6B), the tumblers 604 are all engaged with the notches 302 of the keycard 300. Within the inner surface of the key cylinder 602 are a pluralityof sidebars 606. As the tumblers 604 are pushed along the length of the cylinder 602 by the keycard 300, the sidebars 606 eventually engage with a respective notch 608 of each of the tumblers 604. The keycard 300, when fully inserted, pushes against a back wall 610 of the cylinder 602 and enables a release of the door latch 218. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the system 200A may be configured such that the key card 300 pushing against the back wall 610 causes a purely mechanical release of the door latch 218, which allows a user to access the release mechanisms 404 included in the compartment 402 that allow the user to access the frunk or other compartments of the vehicle 102 even when a battery of the vehicle is depleted. While the system 200A may rely solely on the unique cut of the key card 300 to control authorized access to the vehicle 102, in some embodiments, the keycard 300 may also be used to authorize the user as part of inserting the key card 300 into the key slot 222A, such as, for example, using inductive coupling that does not require a receiver or reader included in the vehicle 102 to have access to power.

[0051] Smart Phone and PIN

[0052] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the back-up access system 200 in accordance with a second embodiment (referenced herein as back-up access system 200B). As compared to the back-up access system 200A, the system 200B uses an external power source to supply power for opening the door 25 and performing user authentication. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the backup access system 200B includes an electronic controller 1000 (described in more detail with respect to FIG. 11) and the access panel 400. As described above with respect to the system 200A, the access panel 400 includes one or more user access inputs 222 and the door latch 218 of the door 25. In the system 200B, the controller 1000 is configured to receive input from the user access input 222 and, based on the input, determine whether to release the door latch 218 of the door 25 (and thus, unlock and / or open (“release”) the door 25). Accordingly, the door latch 218 is, in the system 200B, an electronically-controlled (e.g., electrically-controlled) latch (for example, controlled via one or more solenoids and / or motors, which are not shown) operable by the controller 1000.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the system 200B, the user access input 222 may include a wired connector 222D. To release the door latch 218, a user connects the electroniccommunications device 900 to the wired connector 222D and enters identification information (for example, an identification code, such as a personal identification number (“PIN”)) via an electronic application (a smartphone application (i.e., an “app”)) installed and executed on the electronic communications device 900 (FIG. 7B). Alternatively, the electronic communications device 900 may transmit the code wirelessly to the system 200 (for example, to a receiver included as a user access input 222). The controller 1000 receives and analyzes the identification information to determine whether the identification information matches or corresponds to a stored authorization code or authorized user (stored in the controller 1000, a separate controller 1000 or memory of the vehicle 102, or via an external data source, such on a server). In response to determining that the identification information matches that of an authorized profile, the controller 1000 activates the door latch 218 (e.g., powers a solenoid and / or motor that opens the latch 218) to allow the door 25 to be opened.

[0054] In addition to providing the identification information over the wired connector 222D, power may be supplied from the electronic communications device 900 to the controller 1000, which the controller 1000 uses to receive and authenticate the provided identification information and release the latch 218 (e.g., power a motor or solenoid to open the door 25). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the wired connector 222D may include a USB-C cable or other type of cable that allows both power and data communication. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the wired connector 222D may include an attached cable or may include a port for receiving a detachable cable that may be carried by the user. It should be understood that, in other embodiments, power transfer, data (PIN) transmission, or both may occur wirelessly. For example, close proximity power sharing between the electronic communications device 900 and the controller 1000 may be used, which may eliminate the need for the wired connector 222D.

[0055] Rechargeable Battery and Keycard

[0056] In some embodiments, the system 200 also includes a power source 2000 (for example, a rechargeable battery) that provides power to one or more components of the back-up access system 200. The power source 2000 may provide power, for example, to the controller 1000, the user access input 222, the door latch 218, or a combination thereof.

[0057] For example, FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the back-up access system 200 in accordance with a third embodiment (referenced herein as the back-up access system 200C). In the illustrated embodiment, the system 200C includes the controller 1000, the access panel 400, and a power source 2000. The power source 2000 may include a rechargeable battery, which may be packaged as part of the access panel 400. The rechargeable battery may be charged via the vehicle battery (during normal operation of the vehicle). Alternatively or in addition, the rechargeable battery may be charged from an external device, such as for example, the electronic communications device 900 (e.g., via wired or wireless charging or power sharing). Also, in some embodiments, the power source 2000 may not be rechargeable but a user may be able to access the power source 2000 and replace the power source if needed (e.g., without requiring vehicle power and / or user authentication).

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 8, using the system 200C, a user uses the keycard 300 and / or the electronic communications devices 900 to access the door 25. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a user holds the key card 300 near the access panel 400 and pushes a button 222C included in the access panel 400 to activate power to the controller 1000 for using the keycard 300 to authenticate the user and power the release of the door 25. For example, as described above with respect to FIG. 4, the key card 300 may include one or more features for interaction with the access panel 400, such as, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 304 that a user may hold up to a receiver (e.g., a receiver 222B as illustrated in FIG. 2C, such as, for example, an NFC receiver) to release the door 25 of the access panel 400 and access the one or more release mechanisms 404 within the compartment 402.

[0059] In particular, a user may position the key card 300 proximate to the receiver 222B. The receiver 222B, upon detection of the RFID tag 304, receives the identification information (including one or more unique identifiers) from the RFID tag 304 (according to, for example, a near-field communication protocol) and transmits the information to the controller 1000. The controller 1000 may then analyze the identification information to determine whether the RFID tag 304 (and, thus, the key card 300) is authorized to access the vehicle 102 (for example, by comparing the identification information to stored information). In response to determining that the keycard 300 is registered and authorized to access the vehicle 102, the controller 1000 opens the door 25 of the access panel 400. The controller 1000, the receiver 222B, or both may bepowered from the power source 2000 and the power source 2000 may also provide power to a solenoid or motor associated with the door latch 218.

[0060] Alternatively or in addition to the rechargeable battery, the power source 2000 may include power sharing, such as from an electronic communications device 900, energy harvesting, or a combination thereof. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, a hinge on the door 403 of the access panel 400 may function as an energy harvesting device wherein energy is harvested from movement (e.g., pumping) of the door 403 back and forth (e.g., pumping) and the harvested energy can be used to power the system 200C, including actuating a solenoid to open the door 25.

[0061] Also, in some embodiments, the electronic communications device 900 can be used in place of the keycard 300. For example, the electronic communications device 900 may include NFC communication capabilities similar to the key card 300.

[0062] Rechargeable Batery and Door Handle Trigger

[0063] FIG. 2D is a block diagram of the back-up access system 200 in accordance with a fourth embodiment (referenced herein as back-up access system 200D). Similar to the system 200C, the system 200D uses a rechargeable battery to power a door latch. However, as compared to the system 200C, the system 200D controls and powers a driver or passenger door latch (e.g., as compared to the door 25 of the access panel 400 as described above) and is, thus, integrated into the main power supply for the latch of the driver or passenger door. However, it should be understood that the system 200D may be used to access the door 25 and the systems 200A, 200B, and 200C described above may be used to access a driver or passenger door latch like the system 200D. In particular, the methods and systems described herein can be used to control access to any door and associated latch of a vehicle and are not limited to the specific type of doors provided as examples herein. For example, the system 200A is described herein as being used to open the door 25 controlling access to the release mechanisms 404. However, system 200A (e.g., the key card 300 and the key slot 222A) may be similarly used to open any door or latch of the vehicle 102, such as, for example, a driver or passenger door, a frunk, a trunk, a hood, a tailgate, a charging port, or the like.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the system 200D includes the controller 1000, a back-up battery 214, a power supply regulator 202, a battery monitoring circuit 204, a battery switching circuit 206, a battery charger 208, and an h-bridge 210. The power supply regulator 202 receives power from a vehicle battery 212 of the vehicle 102. The vehicle battery 212 may be the accessory battery of the vehicle 102 that provides power to one or more accessory components / functions of the vehicle 102 (for example, ignition / tuming on the vehicle 102, headlights, taillights, running lights, windows, electronic door and trunk locks, etc.). The vehicle battery 212, for example, is part of a low power system (for example, a 12-volt system) of the vehicle 102. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle battery 212 may be a main battery for powering an electric motor of the vehicle 102 providing movement of the vehicle 102 (e.g., when the vehicle 102 is an electric or hybrid vehicle).

[0065] The power supply regulator 202 regulates the power from the vehicle battery 212 and provides the regulated power output to the battery switching circuit 206. In some embodiments, the power supply regulator 202 is a linear regulator (for example, a low dropout (LDO) regulator). The battery switching circuit 206 is also configured to receive power from a back-up battery 214. As explained in more detail below, the battery switching circuit 206 is configured to alternate between sourcing power from the vehicle battery 212 and from the back-up battery 214 to provide power to the h-bridge 210. The h-bridge 210 is controlled by the controller 1000 to provide the received power to a DC motor 216 to selectively release a door latch 3000 of a door 3002, thus releasing / opening the door 3002. As noted above, in some embodiments, the door 3002 is a driver or passenger door of the vehicle 102.

[0066] It should be understood that the h-bridge 210 may alternatively be or additionally include any kind and / or number of suitable switching circuits / elements for selectively providing power to and disabling power to the motor 216. It should be understood that other means to release the door latch 3000 may be utilized in addition or in alternative to the DC motor 216 and / or h-bridge 210. For example, in some embodiments, one or more solenoids may be used to selectively secure and release the door latch 3000.

[0067] The back-up battery 214 may be a rechargeable battery configured to receive power from a battery charger 208 (the charging of which may be controlled by the controller 1000).The back-up battery 214 may be approximately the same voltage as the vehicle battery 212 in some embodiments.

[0068] The battery monitoring circuit 204 monitors one or more characteristics of the power supply regulator 202 (and, in some embodiments, the vehicle battery 212, for example, through the power supply regulator 202). Such characteristics may include power characteristics such as voltage, current, power, and the like. In some embodiments, the battery monitoring circuit 204 may include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more characteristics of either or both of the vehicle battery 212 and the back-up battery 214 (for example, temperature).

[0069] In addition to providing power to the h-bridge 210 via either the vehicle battery 212 or the back-up battery 214, the battery switching circuit 206 provides power to the controller 1000 and, in some embodiments, one or more user access inputs 222. In some embodiments, the user access input 222 includes a receiver 222B (e.g., an RFID or NFC reader) positioned in a handle of a door or a vehicle 102.

[0070] The controller 1000 is configured to control power to the DC motor 216 (via the h- bridge 210) based on one or more inputs received from the user access input 222 to activate the door latch 3000 to allow the door 3002 to be opened. The controller 1000 is also configured to control the battery switching circuit 206 to selectively switch power provided to the h-bridge 210 between the vehicle battery 212 and the back-up battery 214 according to information from the battery monitoring circuit 204. For example, in instances where information from the battery monitoring circuit 204 indicates that the vehicle battery 212 is depleted, the controller 1000 operates the battery switching circuit 206 to switch the provided power from the vehicle battery 212 over to the back-up battery 214. The controller 1000 is also configured to control charging of the back-up battery 214 by controlling operation of the battery charger 208.

[0071] The system 200D may be activated when the vehicle battery 212 is depleted or discharged based on a trigger from the electronic communications device 900 and / or the key card 300. For example, in some embodiments, the receiver 222B is positioned in a door handle and a door handle trigger wakes up the system 200D from sleep. The system 200D works even if the vehicle 102 is not moving and the vehicle battery 212 is depleted. The back-up battery 214 ischarged by the vehicle with the power management circuitry to control frequency of charging (which may prolong the life of the back-up battery 214). In some embodiments, the back-up battery 214 supplies power to wake up the NFC system (e.g., the receiver 222B) and actuate the door latch 3000 (i.e., power the DC motor 216).

[0072] The controller 1000, as well as the other various components of the system 200, are coupled directly, by one or more control or data buses, or a combination thereof. The use of control and data buses for the interconnection between, and communication among, the various modules and components would be known to a person skilled in the art in view of the invention described herein. It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the controller 1000 may be configured to communicate (via one or more wired and / or wireless connections) with one or more components / systems of the vehicle 102. For example, the controller 1000 may be communicatively coupled to one or more vehicle communication buses (not shown) of the vehicle 102 and receive and / or exchange information with one or more electronic control units (ECUs) (not shown) of the vehicle 102 (for example, an ECU of a vehicle battery subsystem).

[0073] FIGS. 2A - 2D each illustrate only one example of the back-up access system 200, and the system 200 may include more or fewer components than illustrated and may perform additional functions other than those described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the back-up access system 200 includes one or more human-machine interfaces including, for example, one or more input mechanisms (e.g., a microphone, a touch screen, a keypad, a button, a knob, and the like), one or more output mechanisms (e.g., a display, a speaker, and the like), or a combination thereof. As another example, the back-up access system 200 may include one or more additional sensors for monitoring one or more conditions of the environment surrounding the vehicle 102 (for example, a camera, a proximity sensor, or a combination thereof), which may also be utilized for detecting an access trigger event.

[0074] Also, in some embodiments, the functionality described herein as being performed via the back-up access system 200 may be distributed or combined in various configurations and is not limited to the specific distribution of functionality as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the back-up access system 200 is an embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical system or subsystems in the vehicle 102.

[0075] The back-up access systems 200 described herein provide access to one or more compartments of the vehicle 102 (e.g., a compartment storing the one or more release mechanisms 404, a frunk, a trunk, a cabin, etc.) in response to an access trigger event and applies security to ensure that access is limited to authorized users. As described above, the access trigger event can include user interaction with either or both of the key card 300 and the electronic communications device 900. Also, in some embodiments, the access trigger event can include user interface with various user access inputs 222, such as inserting the key card 300 into a key slot 222A, connecting the electronic communications device 900 to a wired connector 222D, pushing a button 222C, or the like. When power is used to activate or release a door latch, the power may be provided from the electronic communications device 900 or a separate power source, such as, for example, a rechargeable battery. Further details are provided below for the electronic communications device 900 and the controller 1000 as well as the overall back-up access method provided via one or more of the systems 200 described herein.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electronic communications device 900 in accordance with some embodiments. The electronic communications device 900 is an electronic computer device (for example, a cellphone, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, headphones, etc.) of a user.

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated, the electronic communications device 900 includes an electronic processor 902, a memory 904, a human-machine interface 906, and an input / output interface 908 including a transceiver 910. The electronic processor 902, the memory 904, the human-machine interface 906, the input / output interface 908, the transceiver 910, as well as the other various modules of the device 900 are coupled directly, by one or more control or data buses, or a combination thereof. FIG. 9 illustrates only one example of the electronic communications device 900. The electronic communications device 900 may include more or fewer components than illustrated and may perform additional functions other than those described herein.

[0078] The electronic processor 902 may be implemented in various ways including ways that are similar to those described above with respect to the electronic processor 1002. Likewise, the memory 904, the input / output interface 908, and the transceiver 910 may be implemented invarious ways including ways that are each similar to those described above with respect to the back-up access system 200. The memory 904 may store instructions that are received and executed by the electronic processor 902 to carry out at least a portion of the functionality described herein.

[0079] The human-machine interface 906 may include one or more input mechanisms (e.g., a microphone, a touch screen, a keypad, a button, a knob, a microphone, and the like), one or more output mechanisms (e.g., a display, a speaker, and the like), or a combination thereof.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the human-machine interface 906 includes a display 912. The display 912 is a suitable display such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen.

[0081] As explained in more detail below, the electronic communications device 900, in some embodiments, acts as a human machine interface to the back-up access system 200. In one example, the electronic communications device 900 is configured to receive input from a user (for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen of the human-machine interface 906) and provide output to the user (for example, one or more display screens).

[0082] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic controller 1000 in accordance with some embodiments. The electronic controller 1000 includes an electronic processor 1002, a memory 1004, and an input / output interface 1006. The electronic processor 1002 is coupled to the memory 1004 and the input / output interface 1006. It should be understood that FIG. 10 illustrates only one example of the controller 1000, and the controller 1000 may include more or fewer components than illustrated and may perform additional functions other than those described herein.

[0083] The electronic processor 1002 sends and receives information (for example, from the memory 1004 and / or the input / output interface 1006) and processes the information by executing one or more software instructions or modules, capable of being stored in the memory 1004, or another non-transitory computer readable medium. The software can include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic processor 1002 is configured to retrieve from thememory 1004 and execute, among other things, software for performing methods as described herein.

[0084] In some instances, the electronic processor 1002 is implemented as a microprocessor with separate memory (for example, another memory part of another integrated vehicle communications system within the vehicle (for example, part of a vehicle control module (VCM)). In other instances, the electronic processor 1002 may be implemented as a microcontroller (with memory 1004 on the same chip). In other instances, the electronic processor 1002 may be implemented using multiple processors. In addition, the electronic processor 1002 may be implemented partially or entirely as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like and the memory 1004 may not be needed or be modified accordingly.

[0085] In the example illustrated, the memory 1004 includes non-transitory, computer- readable memory that stores instructions that are received and executed by the electronic processor 1002 to carry out at least some of the functionality of the system 100 as described herein. The memory 1004 may include, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as volatile memory elements (for example, random access memory (RAM)), nonvolatile memory elements (for example, ROM), and combinations thereof. The memory 1004 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but may be accessed by the electronic processor 1002. For example, in some embodiments one or more parts of the memory 1004 may be implemented on a remote database server (not shown).

[0086] The input / output interface 1006 transmits and receives information from devices external to the electronic controller 1000 (for example, over one or more wired and / or wireless connections), for example, components of the system 200. The input / output interface 1006 receives input (for example, from the battery monitoring circuit 204, the user access input 222, etc.), provides system output (for example, to the battery switching circuit 206, the battery charger 208, the h-bridge 210, etc ), or a combination of both. The input / output interface 1006may also include other input and output mechanisms, which for brevity are not described herein and which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0087] In some embodiments, the input / output interface 1006 includes one or more transceivers 1008 (which, for sake of brevity, are referred to herein as a singular transceiver 1008). The transceiver 1008 enables wireless communication to and from the back-up access system 200 from one or more components internal or external to the vehicle 102 (for example, the electronic communications device 900). The transceiver 1008 transmits and receives radio frequency signals to and from, for example, the electronic communications device 900 using one or more antenna (not shown) according to one or more communication protocols. All or parts of the electronic communications described herein may be implemented using one or more existing networks, for example, a cellular network, the Internet, a land mobile radio (LMR) network, a short-range (for example, Bluetooth™) wireless network, a wireless wide area network (WAN), and a wireless local area network (for example, Wi-Fi). Such networks may also include future- developed networks. In some embodiments, communications with other external devices (not shown) via the transceiver 1008.

[0088] The transceiver 1008 may include various digital and analog components, which for brevity are not described herein and which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Some embodiments include separate transmitting and receiving components, for example, a transmitter and a receiver, instead of a combined transceiver 1008.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 for back-up access to a vehicle (for example, the vehicle 102) in accordance with some embodiments and, in particular, a method for back-up access using a back-up power source (e.g., to power a solenoid, motor, or other component for opening or releasing a door latch and / or powering one or more inputs 222 and / or the controller 1000).

[0090] Although the method 1100 is described in conjunction with some of the systems 200 described herein, the method 1100 may be used with other systems and devices. In addition, the method 1100 may be modified or performed differently than the specific example provided. For example, the method 1100 is described as being performed by the controller 1000 and, in particular, the electronic processor 1002. However, it should be understood that in someinstances, portions of the method 1 100 may be performed by other devices, including for example, the electronic communications device 900 (in particular, the electronic processor 902). Additional electronic processors may also be included in the controller 1000 and / or the system 200 that perform at least a portion of the method 1100. For ease of description, the method 1100 is described in terms of a single door latch (e.g., door latch 218 or 3000) and door (e.g., door 25 or door 3002) of a single vehicle 102. However, the method 1100 may be applied to multiple door latches, doors, and / or vehicles.

[0091] At block 1102, the electronic processor 1002 receives power from a back-up power source. The power source may be, for example, a battery of the system 200 (for example, the back-up battery 214) or an external power source (for example, the electronic communications device 900 as described above providing power over a wired connection or via wireless power sharing). At block 1104, the electronic processor 1002 detects, via the user access input 222 of the access panel 400, an access trigger event. The access trigger event is a predetermined event including authorizing an access request from either or both of the keycard 300 and the electronic communications device 900.

[0092] At block 1106, the electronic processor 1002, in response to detecting the access trigger event (including verifying authorized access), actuates the door latch 218, opening the compartment door of the vehicle 102. As noted above, while some embodiments described here provide authorized access to a compartment storing one or more back-up release mechanisms (e.g., for the frunk), the methods and systems described herein can be used to provide controlled access to any compartment on a vehicle and are not limited to controlling access to the door 25 of the access panel 400 described herein.

[0093] Thus, embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for providing authorized access to one or more compartments of a vehicle via a keycard, a portable personal electronic communications device (i.e., a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, etc.), or a combination thereof. As described herein, the keycard and / or electronic communications device enables access to one or more compartments of a vehicle in instances where a vehicle battery of the vehicle is depleted. Thus, only authorized operators of the vehicle are able to gain access to the vehicle and / or one or more components thereof.

[0094] In the foregoing specification, specific examples have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

[0095] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0096] Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises .. . a,” “has .. . a,” “includes .. . a,” or “contains ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about,” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0097] It will be appreciated that some examples may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and / or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

[0098] Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0099] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A back-up access system for operating a compartment door of a vehicle, the system comprising: an access panel including a key slot and a door including a door latch, the door providing user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door, the key slot including a key cylinder including a plurality of tumblers; wherein the key slot is mechanically configured to receive a keycard having a size and shape to permit insertion into the key slot and into the key cylinder, the keycard including a plurality of key notches configured to each engage with a respective tumbler of the plurality of tumblers, pushing each of the plurality of tumblers a predetermined distance towards an inner side of the key cylinder, wherein the keycard is configured to mechanically release the door latch when the keycard is fully engaged within the key slot, wherein releasing the door latch allows the door to be opened.

2. The back-up access system of claim 1, wherein the compartment door includes a door to a compartment containing a battery of the vehicle.

3. The back-up access system of claim 1, wherein the compartment door includes a door to a frunk of the vehicle.

4. The back-up access system of claim 1, wherein the access panel is positioned on an exterior surface of the vehicle.

5. The back-up access system of claim 1, wherein the access panel including a charging port for a battery of the vehicle.

6. The back-up access system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism is an electrical release mechanism.

7. The back-up access system of claim 1, wherein the keycard includes an RFID tag for a keyless access system of the vehicle.

8. A back-up access system for operating a compartment door of a vehicle with a depleted vehicle battery, the system comprising: an access panel including a door with an electronically-controlled door latch, the door providing user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door; and an electronic processor configured to: receive power from a power source external to the vehicle; receive, from an electronic communications device, identification information; determine whether the identification information corresponds to an authorized profile; and in response to determining that the identification information corresponds to the authorized profile, actuate the door latch, which allows the door of the access panel to be opened.

9. The back-up access system of claim 8, wherein the power external to the vehicle is the electronic communications device and wherein the electronic processor receives the power and the identification information via a wired connector included in the access panel.

10. The back-up access system of claim 8, wherein the electronic processor receives at least one of the power and the identification information from the electronic communications device via a wireless connection.

11. The back-up access system of claim 8, wherein the power source is a battery installed with the access panel.

12. The back-up access system of claim 8, wherein the power source is a power harvesting aspect of the access panel.

13. The back-up access system of claim 8, wherein the identification information includes a personal identification number entered by a user via the electronic communications device.

14. A back-up access system for operating a compartment door of a vehicle with a depleted vehicle battery, the system comprising: an access panel including a rechargeable power source, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, and a door with an electronically-controlled door latch, the door providing user access to a release mechanism to activate the compartment door; and an electronic processor configured to: receive power from the rechargeable power source; receive, at the RFID receiver, identification information; determine whether the identification information corresponds to an authorized profile; and in response to determining that the identification information corresponds to the authorized profile, actuate the door latch, opening the door of the access panel.

15. The back-up access system of claim 14, wherein the identification information is received from an RFID tag of a key card.

16. A back-up access system for operating a compartment door of a vehicle with a depleted vehicle battery, the system comprising: a back-up power source; a door handle release system for the compartment door including a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver and an electronically-controlled door latch to release the compartment door; a battery switching circuit for selectively providing power to the door handle release system from the back-up power source and the vehicle battery; and an electronic processor configured to: receive power from the rechargeable power source; receive, at the RFID receiver, identification information;determine whether the identification information corresponds to an authorized profile; and in response to determining that the identification information corresponds to the authorized profile, actuate the door latch, opening the compartment door of the vehicle.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the identification information is received from an RFID tag of a keycard.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the identification information is received from the electronic communications device.

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