Vehicle Door Release Using Digital Key and Ultrasonic Presence Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access systems rely on manual door handles and lack efficient, hands-free mechanisms for controlling access based on the presence of a vehicle user.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines a digital key signal from a mobile device with ultrasonic sensing to detect the presence of a vehicle user, allowing the vehicle controller to command the door mechanism to release the access door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual door handles are used for vehicle access, then the system is simple and reliable, but it lacks hands-free convenience and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (ultrasonic sensors, cameras, RFID readers) with the door release mechanism into an integrated access control system. This merging allows hands-free operation through voice commands or proximity detection while maintaining system reliability through multiple verification layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical door handle system with an electronic control system that uses ultrasonic sensing, image recognition, and wireless communication to detect user presence and trigger door release, eliminating the need for manual mechanical interaction.
2Ease of operation
If advanced sensing systems are implemented for hands-free access, then convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates sensors only when motion is detected or when the system transitions from sleep mode, reducing energy consumption while maintaining hands-free access capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using low-power sensors (such as motion detectors or RFID readers) before activating more energy-intensive sensors like ultrasonic sensors or cameras, thereby conserving energy while still enabling hands-free access.
3Reliability
If multiple sensing technologies are integrated for accurate user detection, then access security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that coordinates multiple sensing technologies. It processes data from ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and RFID readers, integrating their outputs to make accurate user presence decisions while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is divided into independent modules (ultrasonic sensing module, optical sensing module, wireless communication module), each responsible for specific detection tasks. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection accuracy through multiple verification layers while managing complexity through modular architecture.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle controller remains in sleep mode during parked state, then energy consumption is reduced, but response time for access request increases
Solution Approach 1:
Low-power sensors such as motion detectors or RFID readers remain in standby mode and perform preliminary detection of user approach. When these sensors detect a user, they trigger the wake-up signal to the vehicle controller, ensuring the controller is activated only when necessary, thus minimizing both energy consumption and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from low-power sensors to dynamically control the power state of the main vehicle controller. When sensors detect user presence or motion, they provide feedback that triggers the controller to wake from sleep mode, optimizing the balance between energy savings and response time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables hands-free, secure access to vehicles by using digital key signals and ultrasonic sensing to verify user presence, improving convenience and reducing the need for manual interactions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a presence of the vehicle user external to the vehicle within a predetermined proximity of the access door via an ultrasonic sensing arrangement
Implementation Method 2
collecting, via the ultrasonic sensor, analog data from within the predetermined proximity of the access door and transforming the collected analog data, via the UPM, into digital echo data
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling access into a vehicle interior from a vehicle exterior using an access door includes generating a digital key signal via a mobile device in possession of a vehicle user. The method also includes receiving, via a virtual key control module (VKCM), the digital key signal from the mobile device and communicating a signal indicative of the received digital key signal to a vehicle controller. The method additionally includes detecting a presence of the vehicle user external to the vehicle within a predetermined proximity of the access door via an ultrasonic sensing arrangement. The method also includes communicating, via the ultrasonic sensing arrangement, the detected presence of the vehicle user to the vehicle controller. Furthermore, the method includes commanding, via the vehicle controller, a mechanism to release the access door in response to the received digital key signal and the detected presence of the vehicle user.