Method for achieving contactless opening of a tailgate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for recognizing a movement pattern in a trigger zone of a sensor on a vehicle in order to achieve contactless opening of a tailgate or the like by way of a sensor system, comprising the following steps: recognizing an obstacle in a detection region of the trigger zone, and changing a position of the trigger zone to a changed trigger zone such that the obstacle is located outside the changed trigger zone in order to allow accessibility to the changed trigger zone so as to trigger the opening.

Description

[0001] R.418637

[0002] Description

[0003] title

[0004] Procedures for

[0005]

[0006] Opening a

[0007]

[0008] State of the art

[0009] The present invention relates to a method for detecting a movement pattern in a trigger zone on a vehicle for contactless opening of a tailgate or the like.

[0010] Various opening systems for the contactless opening of vehicle doors and / or tailgates or other opening elements of the vehicle are known in the prior art. For example, sensor systems are known that detect the approach of a user carrying a corresponding key and open the vehicle when the user reaches a predetermined distance. So-called kick sensors are also known, which allow a tailgate, trunk, or similar opening to be opened by a foot movement. However, such kick systems are relatively complex, as sensors must be mounted on the bumper or under the vehicle. Furthermore, such kick systems often do not operate reliably.There are also frequent situations, for example in tight parking spaces, where a tailgate could be opened, but the kick function cannot be used by a user due to the small distance to a following parked vehicle.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] In contrast, the inventive method with the features of claim 1 has the advantage that a position of a trigger zone in which a movement pattern, such as a kicking action, is detected, R.418637

[0013] -2 -

[0014] The trigger zone can be changed. It can be moved to a position where there is no obstacle, allowing a user to execute the movement pattern within the trigger zone without hindrance and thus open the tailgate or similar feature. According to the invention, accessibility to the trigger zone can therefore be enabled by changing its position. The method according to the invention is designed to detect a movement pattern within a trigger zone on a vehicle for the contactless opening of a tailgate, door, frunk (front trunk), or similar feature using a sensor system. The method comprises the steps of detecting an obstacle within the detection range of the normal, i.e., typically provided, trigger zone.If such an obstacle, for example a tree against which a vehicle has reversed, is detected, the position of the trigger zone can be changed to a modified trigger zone such that the obstacle is located outside the normal trigger zone. This allows access to the modified trigger zone for a user to trigger the opening of the tailgate or the like. Thus, the method according to the invention can detect an obstacle in the trigger zone and reposition the trigger zone accordingly to enable the opening of the tailgate or the like despite the obstacle.

[0015] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Preferably, the changed activation zone is indicated by an optical marker. This makes it possible to show the user the change in the activation zone, preventing them from unsuccessfully attempting to use the normally used activation zone for an opening operation. The optical marker is preferably a light projection on the floor. The light projection can be designed as a point of light or as an outline of the activation zone. The point of light is preferably positioned in the center of the activation zone.

[0017] Preferably, the movement pattern that must be executed in the trigger zone is a tilting movement with one foot. R.418637

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[0019] The inventive method particularly preferentially uses a sensor system that is already installed in the vehicle. Preferably, the sensor system used is a keyless sensor system for opening the vehicle, e.g., when a user approaches the vehicle with a corresponding key. However, it should be noted that the inventive method can, of course, also utilize a separate sensor system with one or more separate sensors, specifically configured for carrying out the inventive method.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor system for carrying out the method includes a UWB sensor (Ultra Wide Band sensor) which is configured to detect obstacles.

[0021] To make executing the movement pattern for triggering the opening process as simple as possible for the user, the position of the trigger zone is preferably directed towards a user approaching the vehicle. This allows the sensor array to detect the direction from which the user is approaching the vehicle and to position the trigger zone accordingly at the expected point of the user's arrival at the vehicle.

[0022] Preferably, the user's position and / or approach direction is determined based on a digital key used to unlock the vehicle. This allows a keyless entry system, such as Bosch Perfectly Keyless, to also be used to change the position of the activation zone.

[0023] Preferably, the position of the sensor's trigger zone is changed by means of a beam swiveling of the sensor.

[0024] Alternatively, the sensor system comprises a multitude of sensors, each with a fixed, unchangeable trigger zone. The sensor system then preferentially activates only those sensors that have no obstacles in their trigger zone. R.418637

[0025] - 4 -

[0026] Preferably, the sensor system only changes the position of the trigger zone if there is no obstruction in the opening path of the tailgate or the door to be opened. If an obstruction is present in the opening path, the sensor system blocks the opening process.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sensor system for carrying out the method according to the invention with the features of claim 12. The sensor system is preferably a UWB sensor system which is configured to open the vehicle when a user approaches with a corresponding key. Only selected doors and / or hatches and / or the like can be opened, or all existing doors and hatches can be opened. Thus, the present invention can be implemented with a sensor system already present in a vehicle. This minimizes the costs for the method according to the invention and allows the sensor system to be used for various applications.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a sensor system.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program product for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0030] Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle with a sensor system configured to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the use of the vehicle's sensor system in a tight parking situation.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the operation of a sensor from Figure 1, and R.418637

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[0036] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with a sensor system for carrying out a method according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0038] All identical components, elements and / or units are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0039] Below, with reference to Figures 1 to 3, a method, a sensor system 2 and a vehicle 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention are described in detail.

[0040] Figure 1 schematically shows, from a bird's-eye view, the vehicle 1 with a sensor system 2 according to the present invention. The sensor system 2 comprises four sensors 20, which are arranged essentially at the four corners of the vehicle 1.

[0041] Sensor system 2 is a UWB sensor system, however, it is also possible that other sensor systems are used.

[0042] In Fig. 1, a trigger zone 3 is schematically shown at only one sensor 20. The trigger zone 3 is the zone in which a movement pattern of a user 5 is detected and subsequently a tailgate 10 of the vehicle swings open.

[0043] To help the user 5 better identify the trigger zone, a light projection 4 is provided. The light projection 4 on the surface indicates the location of the trigger zone 3. The light projection 4 can be a single point of light, multiple points of light, or it can show the outline of the trigger zone in which the movement pattern is detected by the sensor 20.

[0044] Normally, as shown in Figure 1, a user can simply walk up to vehicle 1 and observe the movement pattern in the normal triggering zone 3R.418637

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[0046] Execute. The tailgate 10 can then be opened and / or closed according to the movement pattern.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a situation in which an obstacle 6 in the form of another vehicle is located directly behind the vehicle 1 according to the invention. The distance of the obstacle is such that, although the tailgate 10 could still be opened, it is difficult or impossible for the user 5 to get into the space between the two parked vehicles and to execute the movement pattern there without contact with either of the two vehicles.

[0048] According to the inventive method, the obstacle 6 is now detected in the detection area of ​​the normal triggering zone, and the position of the normal triggering zone 3 is changed to a modified triggering zone 3'. In Figure 2, the normal triggering zone is shown with a dashed line.

[0049] According to the invention, the position of the trigger zone 3 is changed such that the obstacle 6 is located outside the trigger zone. This significantly improves accessibility to the trigger zone, as shown in Figure 2, and the movement pattern can be executed by the user 5 in the modified trigger zone 3'. This triggers the opening process of the tailgate 10.

[0050] To ensure the user can clearly see the exact location of the changed trigger zone, the light projection 4 has also been adjusted to the changed position. This means that the light projection 4 always indicates precisely where the sensor system has now placed the trigger zone 3 to enable convenient opening of the tailgate 10 or similar.

[0051] It should be noted that the opening process can of course be performed not only for the tailgate, but also in the same way for a frunk or doors or other flaps on the vehicle.

[0052] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the function of changing the position of the trigger zone 3 of the sensor 20. Starting from R.418637

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[0054] Starting from the initial position in which the trigger zone 3 is oriented perpendicular to the sensor 20, a change in the position of the trigger zone 3 can occur at a positive angle a or a negative angle b relative to a modified first trigger zone 3' or a modified second trigger zone 3". The sensor 20 is configured to select the angle arbitrarily, and in particular within a range of 0° to 180°, more specifically 0° to 90°, whereby the selection of the angle is carried out such that the obstacle located in the normal trigger zone 3 is no longer located in the modified trigger zone after the change in the position of the trigger zone.

[0055] Preferably, the position of the trigger zone is changed depending on the direction in which the user 5 approaches the vehicle. This means the trigger zone is directed towards the approaching user, allowing them to execute the movement pattern within the modified trigger zone with maximum ease.

[0056] The invention preferably utilizes a sensor system 2, in particular with UWB sensors, which is already installed on the vehicle 1. Such contactless sensor systems are used, for example, for unlocking the vehicle when a user with a corresponding key approaches the vehicle. These UWB sensor systems are also able to determine the direction from which the user is approaching, so that only a door located in that direction, for example the driver's door, can be opened.

[0057] It should be noted, however, that the invention can also be implemented with other systems, such as radar sensors. In addition to or instead of UWB sensors, sensors operating in the frequency range of 24 GHz, 60 GHz, or 77 GHz can also be used.

[0058] Alternatively, the obstacle 6 and / or the user's position 5 can also be determined by a multitude of sensors installed on the vehicle with fixed, i.e., unchanging, trigger zones. If an obstacle is located within a sensor's fixed trigger zone, the possibility of opening is limited or completely prevented by any movement pattern that may be executed within that trigger zone. The opening process R.418637

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[0060] This can then only be performed in designated sensor activation zones where no obstacles are present. Preferably, the active sensors are marked by a light projection on the floor, so that the user knows which sensor to activate the movement pattern, particularly a kicking action.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention, which essentially corresponds to the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment the sensors 20 are arranged at different positions on the vehicle 1. In the second embodiment, a sensor 20 is positioned centrally at the rear of the vehicle, where the tailgate 10 is located. Similarly, a sensor 20 is also positioned centrally at the front of the vehicle, and further sensors 20 are positioned centrally on both sides of the vehicle. All sensors 20 are capable of changing the trigger zones 3 if obstacles are located in the normal trigger zone 3.

Claims

R.418637 - 9 - Claims 1. Method for detecting a movement pattern in a trigger zone (3) of a sensor (20) on a vehicle (1) for contactless opening of a tailgate (10) or frunk or the like by means of a sensor system (2), comprising the steps: - Detection of an obstacle (6) within a detection area of ​​the triggering zone (3) and - Changing the position of the triggering zone (3) to a modified triggering zone (3') such that the obstacle (6) is located outside the modified triggering zone (3') in order to allow access to the modified triggering zone (3') for triggering the opening.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the modified trigger zone (3') is indicated by means of an optical indicator element (4).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the optical identification element (4) is a light projection onto a floor in an area of ​​the trigger zone.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement pattern is a kicking movement with a user's foot (5).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method uses a sensor system (2) already present in the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the sensor system (2) is a UWB sensor system with at least one UWB sensor (20) configured to detect obstacles (6). R.418637 - 10 - 7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the UWB sensor system is configured to open at least one door and / or one flap of the vehicle.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the modified trigger zone (3') is directed towards a user (5) approaching the vehicle.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein a position and / or an approach direction of the user is determined based on a digital key for opening the vehicle.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger zone (3) is changed by means of beam swiveling.

11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor system (2) comprises a plurality of sensors (20), each sensor having a fixedly defined trigger zone, wherein sensors which detect an obstacle (6) are deactivated, so that the opening process can only be carried out in trigger zones of sensors where no obstacles are detected.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system changes the position of the trigger zone only if there is no obstacle (6) in an opening path of the tailgate (10).

13. Sensor system for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Vehicle with a sensor system according to claim 13.

15. Computer program product for executing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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