Unlocking an opening of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for unlocking at least one opening of a vehicle. The method comprises triggering (S10) a command to unlock the at least one opening from inside the vehicle. The method comprises detecting (S20) the presence of a human or animal inside the vehicle. After the command has been triggered (S10), the method comprises either unlocking or not unlocking (S30) the at least one vehicle opening depending on the result of the detection. The method improves the security of vehicle opening unlocking.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Vehicle opening unlocking

[0003] Technical field

[0004] [1] The present disclosure relates to a method for unlocking at least one opening of a vehicle, a computer program for a vehicle system for carrying out such a method, a storage medium for such a program and a vehicle system configured for such a method.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] [2] A security risk existing in vehicles concerns the unlocking of the vehicle. Indeed, a locked vehicle can be unlocked from outside the vehicle by activating, using an appropriate tool operated from outside, a vehicle opening unlocking control located inside the vehicle. For example, a malicious act may consist of using a metal rod and pushing it through the seal of a door, for example a half-open one, to press a central interior locking / unlocking button of the vehicle, or to pull an interior door handle. This risk of unlocking from the outside exploits in particular a security measure which requires allowing unlocking and exit for any user from inside the vehicle.

[0007] [3] There is therefore a need to improve the security of the vehicle opening unlocking.

[0008] Summary

[0009] [4] A method is proposed for unlocking at least one opening of a vehicle. The method comprises triggering a command to unlock the at least one opening located inside the vehicle. The method comprises detecting the presence of a human or animal inside the vehicle. The method comprises unlocking or not unlocking the at least one opening of the vehicle depending on the result of the detection.

[0010] [5] The vehicle may comprise one or more UWB anchors. Each UWB anchor may comprise means for transmitting and receiving echo-radar signals inside the vehicle. The detection of human or animal presence may comprise a detection of movement inside the vehicle from at least one echo-radar signal transmitted and received by at least one UWB anchor.

[0011] [6] Motion detection may further include breath detection from echo-radar signals transmitted and received by the at least one UWB anchor.

[0012] [7] Echo radar signals may be transmitted and received for less than 5 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, echo radar signals may be transmitted and received for more than 2 seconds.

[0013] [8] The vehicle may include a camera. The detection of human or animal presence may include detection of a human or animal form inside the vehicle by the camera.

[0014] [9] Where human presence detection includes detection of movement inside the vehicle and detection of human or animal shape, detection of human or animal shape may be performed after detection of movement inside the vehicle.

[0015]

[0010] Triggering the vehicle unlocking command may include detecting an actuation of an interior door handle of the vehicle.

[0016]

[0011] Triggering the vehicle unlocking command may include detecting a press on a centralized unlocking button located inside the vehicle.

[0017]

[0012] A computer program for a vehicle system is also provided. The computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor of the vehicle system, cause the latter to implement said method.

[0018]

[0013] A computer-readable storage medium on which said computer program is recorded is also provided.

[0019]

[0014] A vehicle system configured to implement said method is also provided.

[0020] Brief description of the figures

[0021]

[0015] Non-limiting examples will be described with reference to the following figures:

[0022]

[0016] [Fig. 1] illustrates an example of a flowchart of the process.

[0023]

[0017] [Fig. 2] illustrates an example of a vehicle system. Detailed description

[0024]

[0018] A method is proposed for unlocking at least one opening of a vehicle. The method comprises triggering a command to unlock the at least one opening located inside the vehicle. The method comprises detecting the presence of a human or animal inside the vehicle. The method comprises unlocking or not, after triggering the command, the at least one opening of the vehicle depending on the result of the detection.

[0025]

[0019] The method improves the security of the vehicle opening unlocking.

[0026]

[0020] Indeed, the method makes it possible to condition the unlocking of the vehicle on the result of the detection of human or animal presence inside the vehicle. This makes it possible in particular to avoid unlocking the vehicle in the absence of an occupant in the vehicle. The fraudulent practice of introducing a tool from outside the vehicle to trigger the unlocking control located inside the vehicle (for example through the door seal) is therefore prevented, because no user will be detected inside the vehicle.

[0027]

[0021] Furthermore, the method allows the vehicle to always comply with the safety measure which requires allowing unlocking and exit for any user from inside the vehicle. Indeed, the detection of human or animal presence only makes it possible to ensure that an occupant is present in the vehicle at the time the unlocking command is triggered. The method therefore always allows the vehicle to be opened from the passenger compartment.

[0028]

[0022] The steps of the method may be performed by the vehicle system. Each of these steps are now discussed in more detail.

[0029]

[0023] The vehicle may be any vehicle comprising a passenger compartment and one or more openings for accessing that passenger compartment. For example, the vehicle may be a land transport vehicle such as a car or truck, or a marine or air transport vehicle with a cockpit. The one or more openings of the vehicle may include doors (or doors) of the vehicle (e.g. located at the front and / or rear, left and / or right) and / or a trunk.

[0030]

[0024] The vehicle may also comprise one or more controls for unlocking one or more openings of the vehicle. For example, each control may, when triggered, control the unlocking of one or more of the (for example, all of the) openings of the vehicle. The one or more controls concerned are located inside the vehicle, for example, in the passenger compartment. A user may activate each control from inside the vehicle, when he or she is in the passenger compartment. The vehicle may, for example, comprise a centralized unlocking button, for example, configured to control the unlocking of one or more of the (for example, all of the) openings of the vehicle. The centralized unlocking button may also be configured to control the locking of one or more of the (for example, all of the) openings of the vehicle (for example, when they are not locked).Such a central unlocking button can, for example, be located near the dashboard or near the car's gear lever.

[0031]

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle may for example comprise one or more doors, and the one or more controls may include the interior handle of each of these one or more doors. The interior handle of each door may be configured to, when triggered, unlock the door and allow it to be opened, or optionally also unlock all other doors.

[0032]

[0026] The method may perform the human presence detection and the unlocking of the vehicle after triggering any of these commands. For example, the method may repeat these steps each time these commands are triggered. The triggering may comprise detecting the actuation of any interior door handle of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the triggering may comprise detecting the pressing of said centralized unlocking button.

[0033]

[0027] The method can therefore carry out the step of detecting human or animal presence after the step of triggering the command. Alternatively, in examples, the method can execute the step of triggering the command while the step of detecting human or animal presence is carried out. For example, the method can execute the detection of human or animal presence continuously, and the command can be triggered while the detection is carried out (i.e., intervene after the start of the detection). The step of unlocking or not the at least one opening is always carried out after the steps of triggering the command and detecting human or animal presence (regardless of the order of execution of these). In particular, the unlocking depends on the result of the detection of human or animal presence.

[0034]

[0028] The detection of human presence (for example of at least one adult, a child or a baby) or animal presence (for example of at least one pet such as a dog or a cat) may comprise an execution of a process of searching for human or animal presence in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This process of searching for human or animal presence may be executed from any type of signals (visual or echo-radar). For example, the detection of human presence may comprise an acquisition of at least one echo-radar signal measured inside the vehicle (in the passenger compartment), then, the execution of the process of searching for presence or movement on this at least one acquired signal.The presence search process may include a determination of whether or not there is a human or animal presence on the at least one acquired echo-radar signal, for example by comparison with an echo-radar signal measured in the absence of an occupant in the vehicle (for example when all the seats are empty). The movement search process may be based on several successively acquired echo-radar signals, and may include a comparison of these several successively acquired echo-radar signals in order to determine whether something has moved in the vehicle, and therefore whether there has been movement in the passenger compartment. The result of the human or animal presence detection may be positive or negative depending on the result of this presence or movement search processor (i.e. positive when a presence or movement is detected and negative otherwise).

[0035]

[0029] In examples, the vehicle may include one or more UWB (Ultra Wide Band) anchors. The one or more UWB anchors may be positioned at different locations in the vehicle, for example at the top of the passenger compartment. For example, the vehicle may include one or more UWB anchors placed at the front seats and / or one or more UWB anchors placed at the rear seats. Each UWB anchor may include means for transmitting and receiving echo-radar signals (UWB) inside the vehicle, for example directed towards the passenger compartment, at the location where the anchor is placed. Each UWB anchor may for example include a UWB component and an antenna for transmitting / receiving echo-radar signals.

[0036]

[0030] In this case, the presence or movement search process can be performed from at least one echo-radar signal transmitted and received by at least one UWB anchor. The movement search process can be performed in any way, for example with centimeter precision to detect slow movements. For example, the movement search process can comprise a comparison of several echo-radar signals transmitted and received at different successive times to detect movement in the vehicle. The comparison can comprise a detection of a difference in the transmitted and received signals, this difference indicating that movement has occurred in the vehicle.

[0037]

[0031] In examples, the detection of human or animal presence may comprise a detection of breaths. In other words, the movement sought may be that of a breath, for example human or animal. In this case, the process of searching for movement may comprise a search for breaths in the detected movement from the echo-radar signals transmitted and received at different successive times. The detection of breaths may be carried out in any manner. For example, the comparison of the transmitted and received signals may comprise an identification of a chest, or thorax, movement (for example, as a function of time) in the detected movement. The detected breaths may in this case correspond to the detected chest or thorax movement.For example, the detection of breaths may include an identification of regular movement at a given frequency, for example in a frequency range corresponding to that of a human or an animal. The given frequency of the movement may then correspond to the frequency of the detected breaths. The result of the detection of human or animal presence may be positive when breaths are detected and negative otherwise).

[0038]

[0032] Each UWB anchor can be configured to execute the presence or movement search process, and optionally the detection of breathing, from at least one signal that it transmits and receives. For example, the detection of human or animal presence can comprise a transmission and a reception, by at least one UWB anchor, of echo-radar signals, for example directed towards the passenger compartment, and an execution, by the at least one UWB anchor, of the movement process, and optionally the detection of breathing, on the transmitted and received echo-radar signals.

[0039]

[0033] Alternatively, the vehicle system may be configured to execute the process of searching for presence or movement, and optionally the detection of breaths. In this case, the detection of human or animal presence may comprise a transmission and a reception, by at least one UWB anchor, of echo-radar signals, for example directed towards the passenger compartment, a sending, by the at least one UWB anchor, of the echo-radar signals that it transmits and receives to the vehicle system, and an execution, by the vehicle system, of the process of searching for presence or movement, and optionally the detection of breaths, from the echo-radar signals sent by the at least one UWB anchor.

[0040]

[0034] The one or more UWB anchors may also be configured to perform other functions, such as geolocation. One or more of the UWB anchors of the system (for example located at the front and / or at the rear) may also be configured to perform BLE exchanges (acronym for “Bluetooth Low Energy”).

[0041]

[0035] In examples, upon each detection of human or animal presence, the echo-radar signals can be transmitted and received for less than 5 seconds. Such a duration makes it possible to maintain good responsiveness in unlocking.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the echo radar signals may be transmitted and received for more than 2 seconds. Such a duration makes it possible to guarantee high precision in detecting human presence. In examples, the echo radar signals may be transmitted and received for a duration of between 2 and 5 seconds. Such a duration is therefore optimal for guaranteeing high precision while maintaining good responsiveness in unlocking.

[0043]

[0036] In examples, the vehicle may also include a camera (e.g., connected to or included in the vehicle system). The camera may be any type of camera, such as, for example, an infrared camera (capturing images even in the absence of light, for example, in the evening), a thermal camera (capturing temperatures), or a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) camera. The camera may be positioned at various locations in the vehicle, for example, in the passenger compartment at the front seats or at the rear seats. It may be configured to record images of the passenger compartment (e.g., the front seats and / or the rear seats). In this case, the detection of human presence may include detection of a human or animal shape inside the vehicle by the camera.Human or animal presence detection may include only human or animal shape detection, or it may be performed in addition to motion detection, and optionally breath detection, by one of the UWB anchors.

[0044]

[0037] Detecting a human or animal shape using the camera may include performing a human or animal shape search process, for example from one or more images (color, infrared, or thermal) taken by the camera. The human or animal shape search process may be performed in any manner. For example, the human or animal shape search process may include analyzing each image taken (or each plurality of images taken) by the camera to detect a human or animal shape in the image (for example, a face or any other part of the human body, or a part of a pet). Analyzing each image taken may include applying any human or animal shape detection algorithm to the image(s) taken by the camera.The result of the human presence detection may be positive or negative depending on the result of this human or animal form search processor (i.e., positive when a human or animal form is detected and negative otherwise).

[0045]

[0038] The camera may be configured to perform said human or animal shape search process. In this case, the human presence detection may comprise a recording, by the camera, of one or more images of the passenger compartment, and, an execution, also by the camera, of the human or animal shape search process on the one or more recorded images. Alternatively, the vehicle system may be configured to perform said human or animal shape search process. In this case, the human presence detection may comprise a recording, by the camera, of one or more images of the passenger compartment, a sending, by the camera, of each recorded image to the vehicle system, and an execution, by the vehicle system, of the human or animal shape search process on the one or more images sent by the camera.

[0046]

[0039] In examples, the detection of human or animal presence may comprise both the detection of movement (and optionally of breathing) using the at least one of the UWB anchors and in addition the detection of human or animal shape using the camera, for example to confirm the human or animal shape. In this case, the method may only comprise the detection of human shape. In this case, the detection of human shape may be carried out after the detection of movement inside the vehicle. For example, the detection of human shape may be carried out when the result of the detection of movement is positive. This makes it possible to authorize unlocking only in the presence of a human shape in the passenger compartment (for example in the case where the breathing of a dog would be detected by the UWB anchors).Furthermore, human shape detection is only performed when movement is detected, which saves computing resources and energy, making the process particularly efficient. Alternatively, human or animal shape detection can be performed when the result of motion detection is negative, to enhance the security of the unlocking process. Indeed, this second measure then makes it possible to ensure the absence of human or animal occupant in the passenger compartment by a second detection means (by the camera).

[0047]

[0040] In examples, the vehicle may include multiple cameras. In this case, human presence detection may include human or animal shape detection in the images recorded by each of these cameras.

[0048]

[0041] After detecting human or animal presence, the method comprises unlocking the at least one opening of the vehicle depending on the result of the detection. This means that the unlocking of the at least one opening of the vehicle is conditioned by the result of the detection. When the result of the detection of human or animal presence is positive, the method can execute the unlocking of the at least one opening of the vehicle. Otherwise, when the result of the detection of human or animal presence is negative, the method may not execute the unlocking of the at least one opening of the vehicle. For example, the unlocking of the at least one opening of the vehicle can be programmed to be executed automatically after the triggering of the command (for example after a time delay).In this case, the method may comprise, when the result of the detection of human or animal presence is negative, a cancellation (or deprogramming) of the unlocking of the at least one opening which has been programmed. The time delay may in this case be greater than the execution time of the detection of human or animal presence.

[0049]

[0042] The result of the human or animal presence detection may be positive when a human or animal presence is detected inside the vehicle (i.e., in the passenger compartment). Otherwise, the result of the human or animal presence detection may be negative. When the human or animal presence detection comprises only one process (motion detection by the at least one UWB anchor or human or animal shape detection by the camera), the result of the human or animal presence detection may be that of this single process executed. Otherwise, the result of the human or animal presence detection may be a function of the result of both processes, i.e., the motion detection and / or the human or animal shape detection. For example, the result of the detection may be positive when both motion and a human or animal shape are detected, or negative otherwise.Alternatively or additionally, the detection result can be positive only when one of these two processes is positive, or conversely negative in the event of a contradiction.

[0050]

[0043] Examples will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0051]

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a flowchart of the method for unlocking at least one opening of the vehicle. The method comprises a trigger S10 of a command for unlocking the at least one opening located inside the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may comprise a centralized unlocking button located inside the vehicle. In this case, the triggering of the command for unlocking the vehicle may comprise a detection of a press on a centralized unlocking button located inside the vehicle. The vehicle may also comprise doors each equipped with an interior handle. In this case, the triggering of the command for unlocking the vehicle may comprise a detection of an actuation of one of these interior door handles of the vehicle.

[0052]

[0045] After triggering S10, the method comprises a detection S20 of human or animal presence inside the vehicle. The vehicle comprises one or more UWB anchors. Each UWB anchor comprises means for transmitting and receiving echo-radar signals inside the vehicle. The vehicle may comprise a camera.

[0053]

[0046] The detection of human or animal presence S20 comprises a detection S21 of a movement inside the vehicle from the echo-radar signals transmitted and received by at least one UWB anchor. For example, to carry out the detection S21 of movement, the echo-radar signals can be transmitted and received for less than 5 seconds and / or more than 2 seconds. In examples, the detection of the movement S21 can further comprise a detection of breaths from the echo-radar signals transmitted and received by the at least one UWB anchor.

[0054]

[0047] After the motion detection S21, the human presence detection S20 comprises a detection S22 of a human or animal shape inside the vehicle by the camera. The human or animal shape detection is performed after the motion detection inside the vehicle. For example, the human or animal shape detection is performed only when the motion detection result is positive.

[0055]

[0048] After the human presence detection S20, the method comprises unlocking or not S30 of the at least one opening of the vehicle depending on the result of the detection. For example, the method may comprise, after the triggering S10 of the command, the unlocking S30 of the at least one opening of the vehicle when the human or animal shape detection result is positive, i.e. a human or animal shape is detected inside the vehicle (i.e. in the passenger compartment). Otherwise, the method may comprise, after the triggering S10 of the command, the absence of unlocking of the at least one opening of the vehicle, i.e. a cancellation of the unlocking of the at least one opening.

[0056]

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a vehicle system 10. The system 10 is configured to implement the unlocking method. The system comprises several secondary UWB anchors 11 connected on a private CAN (acronym for "Controller Area Network") network 12. The secondary UWB anchors 11 are anchors inside the vehicle. The system also comprises a main anchor 13, which is a master box for the system. The system also comprises an NFC reader 14. The system supports Bluetooth technology. The main anchor 13 and the NFC reader 14 are also connected to the network 12 of the system.

[0057]

[0050] The vehicle (a car in this example) comprises a passenger compartment 15 and several doors 14 for accessing this passenger compartment 15. Each door 14 comprises a respective interior handle (inside the passenger compartment). The interior handle of each door is configured to, when triggered, unlock the door and allow it to be opened (or optionally unlock all the doors 14 of the vehicle). The vehicle also comprises a centralized unlocking button (not shown in the figure) configured to control the unlocking or locking of the doors 14. The method performs steps S10 to S30 discussed with reference to FIG. 1 when one of these unlocking commands is triggered, i.e. when an interior door handle is pulled or when the centralized unlocking button is pressed.

Claims

Claims 1. Method for unlocking at least one opening of a vehicle, the method comprising: triggering (S10) a command to unlock the at least one opening located inside the vehicle; detecting (S20) the presence of a human or animal inside the vehicle; and unlocking or not (S30), after triggering (S10) the command, the at least one opening of the vehicle depending on the result of the detection (S20).

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the vehicle comprises one or more UWB anchors, each UWB anchor comprises means for transmitting and receiving echo-radar signals inside the vehicle, the detection (S20) of human or animal presence comprising a detection (S21) of a movement inside the vehicle from at least one echo-radar signal transmitted and received by at least one UWB anchor.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the detection (S21) of the movement further comprises a detection of breaths from echo-radar signals transmitted and received by the at least one UWB anchor.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle comprises a camera, the detection (S20) of human or animal presence comprising a detection (S22) of a human or animal form inside the vehicle by the camera.

5. Method according to claim 4 when combined with any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the detection (S22) of human or animal shape is carried out after the detection (S21) of the movement inside the vehicle.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the triggering (S10) of the vehicle unlocking control comprises: a detection of an actuation of an interior door handle of the vehicle; and / or a detection of a press on a centralized unlocking button located inside the vehicle.

7. Computer program for a vehicle system comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor, cause the latter to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 7 is recorded.

9. A vehicle system configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

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