Vehicle Trunk Opening via AI Key Motion Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trunk opening systems require manual intervention or are costly and prone to environmental interference, lacking a hands-free and cost-effective solution for automatic trunk opening.
Innovation Solution
A customizable key configuration with sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms that recognize predefined motion templates and user characteristics for touch-free activation of vehicle components, including trunk opening, using Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor application with ETA sensor below the vehicle's rear is used for hands-free trunk opening, then the trunk can be opened automatically, but the system leads to additional cost for sensor integration and is deactivated when the vehicle starts moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/sensor-based ETA sensor system with an optical recognition system using a camera and image processing algorithms. The camera captures images of the user's kicking motion, and software algorithms analyze the motion to trigger trunk opening, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated sensors while maintaining hands-free operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the user's kicking motion and the trunk opening mechanism. Instead of directly sensing the kick with a sensor, the system uses camera capture and algorithmic analysis to interpret the motion intent, providing a cost-effective mediation layer that resolves the contradiction between functionality and cost
2Ease of operation
If an ETA sensor is integrated for automatic trunk opening, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the sensor functionality is affected when the rear bumper is dirty with residues of mud/snow/ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the vulnerable ETA sensor with a camera-based optical system. The camera captures visual information of the user's kicking motion from a distance, and image processing algorithms analyze the motion pattern to detect the opening intent. This optical approach is not affected by mud, snow, or ice residues on the bumper, maintaining reliability in harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a contact-based sensing approach (sensor on the bumper surface) to a remote optical detection approach. By capturing images and analyzing motion in the visual dimension, the system detects kicking motions without physical contact with the bumper surface, thereby avoiding interference from environmental contaminants
3Reliability
If a two-step verification system with key or electronic device identification is used, then security is improved, but the system does not allow fully automatic recognition without sensor activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification by detecting the presence of the electronic key or mobile device near the vehicle before enabling automatic trunk opening. Once the device is detected, the system pre-activates the automatic opening capability, allowing subsequent hands-free operation without requiring additional sensor activation or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors for the electronic key or mobile device in proximity to the vehicle. When detected, the system provides feedback by enabling the automatic trunk opening function, creating a closed-loop verification system that balances security with automation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention is related to a method that enables hands-free activation of at least one component (C), where said component (C) defined on the vehicle (V) is enabled to be automatically opened, according to the movement defined to the motion template, after at least one movement template defined on the key (K) is performed and after the key (K) comes close to the vehicle (V).