Vehicle Door Unlocking by HF Time-of-Flight Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handle unlocking/locking devices suffer from unreliable capacitive sensor detection due to environmental factors like rain or snow, leading to false detections and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using high frequency communication transceivers to detect the presence of a portable user equipment, measuring the time of flight of waves between transceivers to differentiate between unlocking and locking gestures based on predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capacitive sensors are used to detect hand approach in locking/unlocking zones, then hands-free access functionality is enabled, but false detections occur in environmental conditions like rain or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensors with optical sensors (cameras) to detect hand gestures. The optical detection system captures images of the door handle area and uses image processing to identify hand gestures, eliminating the false detections caused by environmental factors like rain or snow that affect capacitive sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing algorithm as an intermediary between the optical sensor and the locking/unlocking control. The algorithm processes captured images to accurately identify hand gestures and distinguish them from environmental elements, providing reliable detection even in adverse weather conditions.
2Extent of automation
If dedicated capacitive sensors are integrated into the door handle for locking and unlocking zones, then remote controlled access is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera system that can serve multiple functions: capturing images for hand gesture recognition, providing visual feedback to users, and potentially monitoring the surrounding environment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated capacitive sensors while achieving the same automatic locking/unlocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the physical hand gesture and processes this copy to determine the user's intent. This allows the system to detect gestures without requiring specialized sensors embedded in the door handle, reducing hardware costs while maintaining automation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple capacitive electrodes are integrated in the door handle, then precise gesture detection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex multi-electrode capacitive sensor system with a simpler optical camera system. The camera captures images that are then processed to detect hand gestures, achieving precise gesture detection without the manufacturing complexity of integrating multiple capacitive electrodes into the door handle.
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
Enhances detection reliability by eliminating false positives and reduces costs by utilizing existing vehicle components for a different function, providing robust hands-free access.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting waves between the two transceivers
Implementation Method 2
measuring a time of flight of said waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locking or unlocking a door of a vehicle, using a locking/unlocking device aboard the vehicle, including at least two high frequency communication transceivers capable of communicating with a portable user equipment, of which a first transceiver is located in the door and a second transceiver is located inside the vehicle. The method including: a) detecting the presence of the portable user equipment in a predetermined zone around the vehicle; b) if a portable equipment has been detected, transmitting waves between the two transceivers; c) measuring a time of flight of the waves; d) comparing the measured time of flight with a predetermined time of flight; and e) unlocking or locking the door according to the result of the comparison.