Dual-Sensor Gesture Detection for Vehicle Tailgate Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless actuation systems for motor vehicle functions, such as tailgates, struggle with accuracy and usability for users with physical limitations or restricted movement possibilities, often triggering functions unintentionally due to external objects or pets.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing two spaced-apart sensor devices with overlapping detection areas, where a user must maintain a body part in one area and then remove it within a predetermined time frame, combined with an ID transmitter for authorization, ensures accurate detection and prevents false triggers by requiring a specific behavior and presence verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor device is used for contactless actuation, then the device complexity is reduced, but false triggers occur due to objects or pets entering the detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent sensor devices (first sensor device and second sensor device), each with its own detection area. The first sensor device detects approach in a first spatial area, while the second sensor device detects presence in a second spatial area. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between genuine user actuation and false triggers from objects or pets, as both sensor devices must detect their respective targets simultaneously for successful actuation.
2Reliability
If dynamic movement detection is required for actuation, then false triggers from stationary objects are reduced, but users with physical limitations cannot perform the required movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires only partial movement - approaching and remaining stationary in the detection area - rather than full dynamic gestures like kicking or waving. The actuation is confirmed when the body part remains stationary in the detection area for a predetermined time period, which is less physically demanding than dynamic gestures but still prevents false triggers from stationary objects, as the system detects the sustained presence rather than random motion.
3Productivity
If the detection time period is shortened, then the actuation response speed is improved, but users with restricted movement cannot complete the actuation in time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuation requirements based on the detected behavior pattern. Instead of requiring rapid dynamic movements, the system detects sustained stationary presence in the detection area over a predetermined time period. This dynamic detection approach allows users with restricted movement to complete the actuation at their own pace, while still providing a time-bound confirmation process that maintains system responsiveness.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensor devices with overlapping detection areas are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection areas of the first sensor device and second sensor device are designed to overlap, creating a combined detection zone. The first sensor device detects approach in its first spatial area, while the second sensor device detects presence in its second spatial area, with both areas overlapping in the region where genuine user actuation occurs. This merging of detection areas improves accuracy by requiring simultaneous detection from both sensors, while the overlapping design ensures that the combined system remains compact and does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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
This approach enhances detection accuracy and usability for users with physical disabilities by ensuring intentional actuation and reducing false triggers, allowing reliable operation of vehicle functions like tailgates with reduced dynamic movement requirements.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor devices are used to form at least one of the sensor devices
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic sensors or capacitive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Signals from the first sensor are monitored until a characteristic first signal response s1 is detected. A user-carrying ID transmitter is queried to verify authorization for accessing the requested function. The signals from the first sensor are monitored and evaluated to determine whether the user is approaching the second sensor. Subsequently, signals from both the first and second sensors are monitored for a predetermined duration t1. If the signals indicate continued activity from both sensor arrays during duration t1, the system notifies the user that duration t1 has expired, and the signals from the first sensor are monitored for a predetermined duration t2.If the signal from the first sensor device indicates a cancellation of operation within the time period t2, the function of the motor vehicle is triggered.